THE builders are packed and Worcester's High Street is preparing to party as it celebrates the end of renovation works.

Big stores such as Marks and Spencer, Next, Woolworths, Debenhams and the Co-op are to offer free food and drink and discounts off designer clothes in a one-day festival tomorrow.

They say people have been driven away in their droves by the £1.3m works and are now hoping to entice shoppers back in as the constructors move out.

The day was the brainwave of Martin Woodhouse, general manager of M&S, who is appealing for consumers to once again enjoy the High Street.

He was due to celebrate the completion of the refurbishment this afternoon with drinks for the workmen.

"It was touch and go because there was lots of finishing touches but we are saying thanks for upping the pace and getting it finished for the Bank Holiday," he said.

"The finished product looks fantastic, particularly at night with the green up-lighters. It's got that rustic look and has a clean and fresh finish.

"The High Street works seriously hacked off a lot of people and not surprisingly many of them decided to go elsewhere.

"Now the work is complete it is up to us as retailers to bring them back.

"Nearly every shop on the High Street has agreed to give something away, or slash prices, tomorrow."