WORCESTER’S Hopmarket – home to an eclectic mix of shops – is hosting a special art and music event later week as part of Worcester Music Festival.

The retail space on The Foregate has teamed up with Participate in Art to deliver the event, which takes place from Friday to Sunday, September 13-15.

There will be specially themed arts workshops by Spare Room Arts. Running from 11am until 4.30pm on the Saturday and Sunday, they will include kite and mask making as well as music festival themed puppets and flags; there will also be a musical instrument making workshop.

Chris Oxlade-Arnott, director of Participate in Art, said: “We are delighted to join forces with Worcester Music Festival this year and look forward to delivering a fabulous weekend of art and music.

"The Hopmarket is the perfect courtyard venue for such events.  We look forward to welcoming you!”

Bill Simpson, chairman of the Hopmarket Charity Trustees, said: “Supporting local initiatives such as Worcester Music Festival is becoming increasingly more important to us as we continue to open up The Hopmarket for outside events.

"The line-up of activities during the weekend looks set to really draw the crowds in and create a real buzz not just in our courtyard area but also in the city as a whole.”

READ MORE: Festival line-up announced

Worcester Music Festival – which supports emerging artists and raises money for charity – is now in its 11th year.

Taking place in more than 20 venues across the city, it hosts around 250 bands over the three days as well as a number of music related workshops.  A free event, the festival has raised almost £55,000 for charity since it was launched; this year’s charity is Worcester Food Bank.

Participate in Art was launched in January 2019 to provide opportunities, support and access to artists, art communities and organisations.  Through exhibitions, galleries, educational services, talks, workshops, supplier partnerships and events, it increases the awareness and approachability of the arts.

Spare Room Arts has been operating for 10 years, specialising in outdoor events, music festivals and tailor-made workshops. The team at Spare Room Arts work with schools, community groups and on Council and Arts Council funded projects.