LOVE will be in the air in Worcester next month as the city holds a week-long heritage festival to celebrate its history.

The Love Worcester Heritage Festival is being organised by Worcester Heritage Partnership Group and supported by Visit Worcestershire, Sanctuary Group, Worcester City Council and the Marches Network. It is to be held from Friday, February 13 to Sunday, February 22, the week of school half-term, when the doors of Worcester’s range of attractions will be opened for visitors to learn more about the city.

Helen Large, chair of the Worcester Heritage Partnership Group, added: "The 'Love Worcester Heritage Festival' is the perfect opportunity to celebrate Worcester's rich and diverse heritage. There is a fantastic programme of events and activities on offer which highlight how much this city has to be proud of, and visitors will find something suitable for all members of the family. There's never been a better time to visit Worcester or discover what is on your doorstep.

"From the inspiring Norman and Gothic Worcester Cathedral – where King John is buried - which sits overlooking the picturesque River Severn, to the museum at the birthplace of Edward Elgar, Worcester’s most famous musical export, and one of Britain’s most revered composers, the city’s rich past will be flung into the modern day, allowing people to immerse themselves in what has made Worcester the city it is today."

Two thousand years of history will come to life at the Commandery, with a weekend full of ancient Greeks, Viking warriors, the two World Wars and much more. More than 150 re-enactors will stage living history encampments, military drill displays and there will be vintage vehicles too. The Museum of Royal Worcester, with collections that date back to 1751, will be filled to the brim with ornate porcelain creations.

In addition, there will be more than 20 different events taking place across the city for the whole family to enjoy throughout the week. With the theme of love recurrent throughout the festival, there is the chance for couples to renew their vows in the cathedral on Valentines day, explore Worcester’s archaeological past by handling Roman pottery in the Hive, create musical instruments in a recycling themed workshop at the Elgar Birthplace Museum, and sample the best of Worcester’s local ingredients, namely the Black Pear, outside the Tourist Information Centre on the closing day of the festival.

For more information on any of the attractions or events that are taking place during the Love Worcester Heritage Festival contact the Worcester Tourist Information Centre on 01905 726 311 or visit www.visitworcestershire.org/loveworcester