A CHANCE to view archive footage of the county through the years will be among events on offer as the Worcester Festival continues.

Film and history buffs will be able to sample the rare visual delights at the Swan Theatre from 7.30pm tomorrow, with footage gathered from the archives at Worcestershire County Council, the Media Archive for Central England and other sources.

Entitled Worcestershire on Film, it’s a new series of films from the groups, which include a look at your Worcester News’ sister newspaper, the Berrows Journal, a poignant piece about the closure of the village school at Spetchley and some pre-war home movies including Shelsley Walsh hill climb and the 1937 coronation celebrations in Belbroughton.

Paul Hudson, Worcestershire County Council’s learning and outreach manager for the archive and archaeology service, said: “We’re pleased to be able to return to the Swan with a new selection of films. People always enjoy seeing the past on the big screen, and there’s usually a good buzz and people reminisce and maybe spot someone or something they know.”

The show will also feature newly digitised material shot by Worcester film-maker John Beer, including VJ Day being celebrated in the city in 1945, and Worcester grinding to a halt during the great snow of 1947.

Tickets to the screening cost £6 and can be obtained by calling 01905 611427.

Meanwhile, today’s offerings include a stonemason’s tour of Worcester Cathedral, which runs from 3pm until 4pm, with one of the landmark venue’s craftsmen giving a unique insight into what goes into protecting and creating the stunning sculptures on show.

Artist Siobhan Noake will be in Bell Square at the CrownGate shopping centre, offering arts and craft activities for youngsters aged between four and 11.

She will also be showcasing her work during the event, which runs from 10.30am until 4.30pm.

Then, at 7.30pm this evening, the Swan Theatre will host the one-man performance of Formby by Ewan Wardrop, featuring classic hits including Blackpool Rock and When I’m Cleaning Windows, as part of a look at the life of one of the UK’s most famous personalities.