FAMILIES are being invited to a fun day being held at Worcester's Guildhall this half term week.

This Friday, October 28, meetings at the historic High Street venue will make way for a fun magic show, face painting, games and sports, with a bouncy castle taking centre stage.

Magic shows will be taking place in the Court Room, with a Houdini-style bag escape being staged twice in the day.

There will also be the chance to step back in history and visit the famous holding cells, used when the Guildhall originally housed the courts of justice.

The venue's court room for many years witnessed scenes of high drama with prisoners, many of whom were sentenced to death, were led up to it through a trap door in the middle of the floor, and once sentenced, were taken down again to await their fate.

The event is free although visitors will be invited, in return for a small donation, to take part in a game to guess how long it will take for the magician to get out of the bag, and, for a charitable donation, can be photographed with Worcester Mayor Councillor Paul Denham, and the Guildhall’s official sword bearer.

Charities to benefit are the mayor's selected good causes this year - the Youth Hostel Association’s Breaks for Kids, Action for Children and the Midlands Air Ambulance Appeal.

Cllr Denham said: "I think there are a great number of people in Worcester, particularly younger residents, who have never set foot in the Guildhall.

“I wanted to throw open the doors because this magnificent building belongs to everyone.

"Come along to our Family Fun Day, and you will be assured of a very warm welcome."

The event takes place between 10am and 3pm.