VISITORS have been told to "expect the unexpected" as the county's biggest dedicated business exhibitions returns.

Worcestershire's Festival of Business returns this year after being cancelled last year because of the covid pandemic.

After a challenging 18 months for businesses the event organisers are excited to welcome back the event.

Event organiser Stuart Allen, of Worcestershire Enterprise Limited, said he was excited to return and told people to "expect the unexpected".

It returns for its seventh year on Thursday, September 23 at Sixways Stadium, Worcester, the home of the Warriors.

Mr Allen said: “We have over seventy confirmed exhibitors and pre-registrations for free visitor tickets is the highest we have ever had.

"These are clear indications that the Worcestershire business community is more than ready to get back to live events.”

The exhibition will feature a mixture of business sectors and aims to reflect the diverse nature of enterprise and entrepreneurship in Worcestershire. 

There are three separate networking events throughout the day - a breakfast, brunch and lunch - all organised by BoB Clubs.

The event will raise money for Primrose Hospice in Bromsgrove and is sponsored by Worcestershire LEP.

Chief executive Gary Woodman said: "Worcestershire LEP and Growth Hub are delighted to be sponsoring and exhibiting at The Worcestershire Festival of Business.

"The last 18 months have provided some real challenges for businesses and events like the Festival of Business provide a great opportunity to get businesses back together again to build new connections.”

The Worcestershire Festival of Business exhibition is open to the public from 9am to 2.30pm and admission and parking are free.

Places need to be booked in advance via the event website.

Covid-19 protocols will be in place at the event, for the safety of staff, exhibitors and visitors.

The organisers ask that people feeling unwell or displaying any symptoms do not attend.

You can pre-register via Eventbrite or register on arrival.

For more details on The Worcestershire Festival of Business visit worcestershirehour.co.uk/festival-of-business-2021/ or call Stuart Allen on 01905 384314.