Elgar Birthplace Museum

4 Nov - 23 Dec 2008 (various dates)

Sir Edward Elgar, composer of Pomp and Circumstance, was born in this very house in Worcester, now converted into the Elgar Birthplace Museum in the great man's honour.

Waiting for Godot

5 - 14 Mar 2009; not Sun

Sean Mathias directs Samuel Beckett's 20th-century classic Waiting for Godot at Malvern Theatres, at the start of a short UK tour before transferring direct to the West End. The play reunites Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart as Estragon and Vladimir.

Riverside Folk Festival

May 2009 (annual)

Otherwise known as the Upton Folk Festival, this annual bash in Upton-upon-Severn is packed with folk music, chorus groups and ceilidh bands, and Morris teams from all over the country perform in the streets.

International Oliver Cromwell Jazz Festival

Jun 2009 (annual)

Upton-upon-Severn's long-established International Oliver Cromwell Jazz Festival presents an annual weekend of music by the riverside featuring local and international performers playing New Orleans, Dixieland, traditional jazz and swing.

The Big Chill Summer Festival

Aug 2009 (annual)

The Big Chill summer festival celebrates yet another glorious weekend in the lush surroundings of Eastnor Castle deer park in the Malvern Hills.

Malvern Autumn Garden & Country Show

Sep 2009 (annual)

The Royal Horticultural Society hosts the fabulous Malvern Autumn Garden & Country Show at Malvern Showground at the base of the majestic Malvern Hills, which rounds off the gardening year with panache.

The Courtyard

Daily

The Courtyard Arts Centre opened in September 1998 and comprises a 540-seat theatre (modelled on a Jacobean courtyard theatre, with the audience on three sides), a gallery, a studio space and restaurant. One of the focal points for the annual Borderlines Festival, the Courtyard has become one of Hereford's cultural beacons.

Cider Route

Daily

The tradition of cider making in Herefordshire stretches back some 350 years. The Cider Route is a great way to take in the lovely countryside of the region at the same time as checking out a few of the cider producers that have made the area so famous.

Worcester Cathedral

Daily

Built between 1084 and 1375, Worcester Cathedral still boasts some monastic buildings, including the chapel house, cloistered herb gardens and the monks' refectory. The Early English Quire and Lady Chapels also still stand and the Norman crypt holds the tombs of King John and Prince Arthur. The tower dates from the 14th century.

Vipassana Meditation Courses

Daily

Being silent for ten days is a challenge for most of us, yet hundreds travel to the Dhamma Dipa Vipassana Meditation Centre in Hereford throughout the year to exercise their will and focus on higher things.

Royal Porcelain Visitor Centre

Daily

Worcester's long history in the porcelain industry is celebrated at the Royal Porcelain Visitor Centre. Themed galleries trace the history of porcelain in the region, beginning with the Georgian Gallery, which introduces visitors to the earliest items made in Worcester, in the 1750s. Subsequent galleries bring you right up to date and a feature gallery hosts special and temporary exhibitions.

Worcester Cathedral

Daily

Built between 1084 and 1375, Worcester Cathedral still boasts some monastic buildings, including the chapel house, cloistered herb gardens and the monks' refectory. The Early English Quire and Lady Chapels also still stand and the Norman crypt holds the tombs of King John and Prince Arthur. The tower dates from the 14th century.

The Courtyard

Daily

The Courtyard Arts Centre opened in September 1998 and comprises a 540-seat theatre (modelled on a Jacobean courtyard theatre, with the audience on three sides), a gallery, a studio space and restaurant. One of the focal points for the annual Borderlines Festival, the Courtyard has become one of Hereford's cultural beacons.

Hereford Cathedral

Daily

Built on a site in use for Christian worship since Saxon times, Hereford Cathedral contains some of the finest examples of architectural excellence from Norman times up to the present day. Particularly noteworthy are the beautifully-restored Shrine of St Thomas of Hereford in the North Transept and the exquisite Early English Lady Chapel. The "high-tech Medieval" New Library Building, completed in 1996, houses the Mappa Mundi & Chained Library exhibitions, presenting two of Britain's most important historical treasures.

Cider Museum and King Offra Distillery

Daily; not Mon or Sun

The Cider Museum in Hereford is housed in the old Bulmers factory and was opened in 1981 to mark the region's most famous industry. With three floors of interactive exhibitions taking visitors through the cider-making process from the orchard to the press, as well as a cafe and gift shop, it is an essential stop for all cider lovers.

Hereford Racecourse

Daily

Hereford's racecourse is roughly square-shaped and extends for a mile and a half. Staging steeplechase races over its nine fences, the course hosts 15 meetings a year and is known for its unusual finish, leading to a reputation as a "thinkers" track. Please check the course website for full calendar details.

Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum

Daily; not Sun

Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum hosts a programme of exhibitions by contemporary artists and also maintains its own historic picture collection. Also on display are historic artefacts such as an old Worcester sauce machine. Refurbished in 1995, the gallery consists of two main exhibition spaces and an on-site cafe.

The Old House

Daily; not Mon or Sun

Hereford's Old House dates back to 1621, but was opened as a museum in 1929. Built in the black-and-white, Jacobean style, it is full of antique oak furniture in the kitchen, dining hall, parlour and bedrooms. The collection includes paintings, beds and even baby walkers and cradles.

Worcester County Cricket Club

Daily

Worcestershire Cricket Club was formed way back in 1865 and is one of the 18 major counties that play in the current English domestic cricket leagues. The County Ground has been home to the side since 1899 and although relatively small by county standards, maintains its charm and is a popular venue within the championship.

Cider Route

Daily

The tradition of cider making in Herefordshire stretches back some 350 years. The Cider Route is a great way to take in the lovely countryside of the region at the same time as checking out a few of the cider producers that have made the area so famous.

Vipassana Meditation Courses

Daily

Being silent for ten days is a challenge for most of us, yet hundreds travel to the Dhamma Dipa Vipassana Meditation Centre in Hereford throughout the year to exercise their will and focus on higher things.

No monthly events available.

Worcester Festival

Aug 2009 (annual)

Worcester comes alive each summer for the three-week Worcester Festival. An eclectic mix of events for all ages including puppetry, pottery, painting, comedy, music and drama takes place at indoor and outdoor venues throughout the town.

Twenty20 Cup: Worcestershire Royals

Jun 2009 (annual)

Twenty20 has brought a new generation of fans to English cricket. Worcestershire Royals play their home games at the County Ground in New Road.

Three Counties Show

Jul 2009 (annual)

The enormous Three Counties Show at the Malvern Showground brings together classes of sheep, pigs, poultry, cattle and horses, flower and dog shows. There are trade stalls and fine homemade foods on sale. Main events include carriage-driving.

The Big Chill Summer Festival

Aug 2009 (annual)

The Big Chill summer festival celebrates yet another glorious weekend in the lush surroundings of Eastnor Castle deer park in the Malvern Hills.

Riverside Folk Festival

May 2009 (annual)

Otherwise known as the Upton Folk Festival, this annual bash in Upton-upon-Severn is packed with folk music, chorus groups and ceilidh bands, and Morris teams from all over the country perform in the streets.

Malvern Spring Gardening Show

May 2009 (annual)

Malvern's annual spring show at the Three Counties Showground features more than 30 acres of beautiful flowers, plants and gardening gadgetry, together with fine food and wines, floral art and crafts.

Malvern Autumn Garden & Country Show

Sep 2009 (annual)

The Royal Horticultural Society hosts the fabulous Malvern Autumn Garden & Country Show at Malvern Showground at the base of the majestic Malvern Hills, which rounds off the gardening year with panache.

International Oliver Cromwell Jazz Festival

Jun 2009 (annual)

Upton-upon-Severn's long-established International Oliver Cromwell Jazz Festival presents an annual weekend of music by the riverside featuring local and international performers playing New Orleans, Dixieland, traditional jazz and swing.

No biennial events available.