Worcester Carnival cancellation and balloon festival doubts

Worcester Carnival will not return until 2027, while doubts remain over the future of this year’s Worcester Balloon Festival, both of which typically attract tens of thousands of visitors to the city.

While the Balloon Festival’s cancellation has not been formally confirmed by organisers, business owners and community leaders say the impact could be widely felt, especially in the city centre.

 A Worcester City Council spokesperson confirmed that Worcester Balloon Festival has not booked an event on Pitchcroft during 2026.

The organiser declined to give any comment when asked if next month's balloon festival would go ahead. However, racecourse managers also say they understand it is not happening this year.

IMPACT: Craig Finn, an owner at TripelB, remains optimistic buy says the cancellation of any event has an impact (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

Craig Finn, owner of TripelB Belgian Beer Café on Copenhagen Street, said: "There’s a broad impact to the city as a whole - and its trading and the potential return visits we would lose.

"A lot of people come here for the first time and discover they love it and they come back.

"If we don’t get them here in the first place, you’re not going to get that return visit."

But he said he remained optimistic as the beer cafe has a bar at Worcester Show on August 9 and at Hartlebury Beer Festival on June 27.

The 2025 Worcester Balloon Festival in June drew more than 40,000 visitors over two days but has yet to be confirmed for this year.

DOUBTS: The Worcester Balloon Festival 2025 is in doubt (Image: Calvin Davies)

The carnival, typically held in mid-July, has been cancelled due to scheduling issues and will not return until 2027.

Councillor Adam Scott, a Labour councillor for Cathedral Ward, said the city still has a "rich menu of events" planned for the summer.

These include Worcester Mela, the Worcester Show, Fake Festival, Worcester Music Festival, and the Diglis Big Lunch.

This year also marks the 375th anniversary of the Battle of Worcester, which will be commemorated with a major programme of heritage events and activities.

The colourful hand-painted banners of the Civil War will return to Copenhagen Street this year after the inaugural event last year, inspired by the medieval-style banners of both Tewkesbury and Bruges.

HOPEFUL: Daniel Daniels, chairman of the Battle of Worcester Society (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

Daniel Daniels, chairman of The Battle of Worcester Society, said: "Worcester’s remarkable Civil War heritage continues to thrive through an exciting programme of events, commemorations and activities taking place throughout the year as the city prepares to mark the 375th anniversary of the Battle of Worcester.

"This year’s 375th anniversary commemorations are bringing renewed attention to Worcester’s pivotal role in shaping the nation’s history."

The Battle of Worcester Society is working with partners, including The Sealed Knot, to organise large-scale reenactments and living history events.

These will see hundreds of reenactors, historians, and visitors gather in the city and county to help bring the 17th century to life.

Mr Daniels said the anniversary offers a chance not only to reflect on Worcester’s past but to celebrate its enduring status as a heritage destination.

He said the city’s Civil War story remains "part of the city’s identity" and continues to attract significant public interest.