Worcester’s historic Guildhall is opening its doors for an extra day a week to give visitors more opportunities to enjoy its palatial beauty during the summer holidays.

From July 21, the 18th Century building in the High Street will be open every Sunday from 10am to 4pm. Admission is free.

The summer Sunday openings, until September 29, also give extra opportunities for the venue to be booked for weddings, concerts, fairs and other events.

“The Guildhall is a historic gem at the very centre of Worcester,” says Claire Chaplin, Worcester City Council’s democratic and civic services manager.

“This is a building with so much to offer, from palatial rooms that have hosted The Queen to sinister cells where convicts once awaited their sentence. These extra Sunday openings are a great chance to discover the striking beauty and history of the Guildhall – and could even be the day you tie the knot!”

The Guildhall’s grand exterior is adorned with elaborate statues while inside its wood-panelled rooms are decorated with portraits of kings, queens and dignitaries from Worcester’s past.

Its spacious first floor Assembly Room has welcomed Queen Elizabeth II three times and was also praised by her ancestor King George III as “a handsome gallery”.

Elsewhere in the building, evidence can be found of its former role as the centre of justice in Worcester, including the atmospheric cells where criminals fretted over their fate and the court room where sentence was passed on them.

The Guildhall is an increasingly popular venue for hire in the city, with music concerts, gin festivals, charity boxing matches and, especially, weddings being held in its atmospheric environs.

Full details of how to book the Guildhall for your dream event are at worcesterguildhall.co.uk