THE city hosted its first hop festival in 50 years as part of a project to rejuvenate The Hopmarket.

Mayor Allah Ditta marked the opening of the event on Saturday alongside a group of Morris dancers, while highlights included a hopped gin bar, courtesy of the Paul Pry pub.

Organiser Chris Oxlade-Arnott said: “We’ve had the Morris dancers, we’ve had live bands, poetry performances and the ukulele band and now WYMSICAL dance troupe.

“What I try and do is join art – we’ve got the art gallery in the corner – put performance art, poetry and spoken word and art together – to form a cultural environment in this little gem of Worcester.”

Mr Oxlade-Arnott said next year he hopes the event can “work closely” with Worcestershire Pride, which was held on the same day. “But that’s actually helped us because of the positive vibe that’s been here and the party atmosphere has been really beneficial.”

Janet Yates, city council economic development officer, said the council is supporting the rejuvenation through investment “in terms of trying to turn the Hopmarket around.”

She said traditionally there was always a hop auction on September 19 and the festival was about “bringing back the history of the Hopmarket.”

“It’s been wonderful to see so many people out and just enjoying the Hopmarket courtyard and this really traditional space of Worcester and obviously making people aware of the shops and business that are here as well.”