Threads of Unity FAQs

When and where are the events?

Threads of Unity programme of events take place throughout July, with events happening at different locations across the city. You can find full details and event dates on our events page.

Do I need to book or buy a ticket?

Many of our events, including Worcester Mela Festival on Sunday 5 July, are free to attend and do not require booking or tickets. However, the Qawwali Night and Severn Eyes Concert are ticketed events. Please see the event listings for full details on how to book.

Where can I find more information?

You can find more information about all of our events on our Events page or by following us on social media at: Instagram @WorcesterMela or Facebook @WorcesterMelaa for the latest updates.

Are the events suitable for children?

Yes. We have a number of events designed especially for children and families. Details of family-friendly events can be found in our event listings.

Do I need to bring a chair or picnic blanket?

We recommend bringing a folding chair or picnic blanket to the Worcester Mela Festival if you’d like to relax and enjoy the performances in comfort. Some seating may be available, but it is limited, so bringing your own chair or blanket is a great option if you’d prefer a guaranteed spot to sit.

Will there be filming and photography at the event

Official photographers and videographers will be taking photos and filming during our events for marketing and publicity purposes.

If you would prefer not to be photographed or filmed, please let a member of the team know and we will do our best to ensure you are not included. As some events take place in public spaces, we cannot control photographs or videos taken by members of the public.

If you are sharing images on social media, we kindly ask that you are mindful of other people’s privacy, especially children and young people who are not part of your group.

Who can I ask for general assistance?

We will have volunteers available at all our events, and they will be easy to spot in their Worcester Mela T-shirts. Some events will also have security staff present to help ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience.

Are there toilets available?

The following public toilets will be available:

• Cornmarket disabled toilet
• The Hive toilets
• Crowngate toilets

In addition, portable toilets will be available at Worcester Mela Festival on Saturday 5 July.

Where can I go for medical help?

If you need assistance, please speak to the nearest member of event staff, volunteer or security team.

In an emergency, please call 999.

Will the event still go ahead in bad weather?

Most events will go ahead as planned, but in the event of severe weather, some parts of the programme may need to be changed or cancelled.

Please keep an eye on our social media channels: Instagram @WorcesterMela or Facebook @WorcesterMelaa for the latest updates.

Will local businesses be open?

Yes, a range of local businesses will be open as usual during the events.

You will also be able to purchase refreshments at the Worcester Mela Festival on Sunday 5 July.

Travelling and Parking

We encourage everyone, where possible, to use public transport, walk or cycle to our events.

By Train

There are two train stations in Worcester city centre:

• Worcester Foregate Street Station (WR1 1DB)
• Worcester Shrub Hill Station (WR4 9EJ)

West Midlands Railway offers services from major cities including Birmingham, Wolverhampton and Hereford to both Worcester stations.

By Bus

Worcester’s bus station is located next to Crowngate Shopping Centre in the city centre (WR1 3LE).

There are a number of local bus services that travel into the city centre. Information on routes, live departures and journey planning can be found on the Worcestershire County Council website.

Walking, Cycling and Wheeling

Cycle parking is available in several locations around the city centre.

Covered cycle parking is available at The Cross (WR1 3PY).

Additional cycle hoops can be found on Fish Street, the High Street (outside Yo! Sushi), Copenhagen Street, near the Cathedral and at The Hive.

Please remember to keep your bike secure by using a suitable lock.

Parking

There are several city centre car parks within easy walking distance of our events. The Worcester City Council website provides an interactive map of parking locations that you may find useful.

EV Charging

If you are travelling by electric vehicle, charging points are available at:

• St Martin’s Gate Car Park
• King Street Car Park

Keeping everyone safe

To help keep our Mela Festival safe and enjoyable for everyone, our team may carry out random bag checks.

Thank you for your cooperation and for helping us create a safe and joyful day for the whole community.

How can I support Worcester Mela?

There are lots of ways to support Worcester Mela, including volunteering, making a donation or simply helping to spread the word by sharing our events with family and friends.

Worcester Mela is part of Local Voices, Creative Choices, an ambitious two-year programme that is developing the cultural life of Worcester, with arts projects, festivals and new creative opportunities.