A SPLASH of green space is coming to the centre of Worcester so shoppers and visitors can chill out and take part in events throughout the summer.

A pop-up park will be installed in Cathedral Square to encourage families to enjoy some rest and relaxation in the sun.

The park is the brainchild of the Worcester Business Improvement District, which aims to help the city centre's businesses thrive.

The installation started yesterday with the park due to fully open today. There will be several different events and workshops taking place for visitors to enjoy, including picnics and story time for little ones, and yoga and gin for adults.

Phoebe Dawson, chief executive of Worcester BID, said: “Worcester BID works hard to ensure that our city is a vibrant place to visit. The Pop-up Park is a great initiative to bring people together and we’re delighted to offer a lively programme of events, supported by local businesses, that will bring friends and families to Worcester this summer.”

Events start this Saturday, July 6 as The Hive takes over the park. Aspiring wizards and witches can take part in a Harry Potter day from 11am until 3pm. The Sorting Hat will tell them which house they belong to, before they take part in games.

The book-themed Worcester Carnival will then travel through the city, giving young magicians the best seats in the house to watch all the action.

In August, adults can take part in Yoga in the Park provided by Fitness for Less or enjoy a drink at Gin in the Park provided by the Cosy Club from Thursday till Monday, August 22 -26.

Children can bring their teddies along for a picnic in the Pop-up Park with the Royal Porcelain Works, and Yo! Sushi is running a ‘Mini Ninja Sushi School.’

Gourmets will be glad to hear that, as well as the After Worc Feast, on the first Thursday of the month, Worcester Food Festival returns on Saturday and Sunday, July 27 and 28.

Entry is free to the Pop-up Park, which will be in place until Saturday, August 31.