BUSINESSWOMEN are being urged not to miss out on one of the biggest days in this year's Worcester calendar.

The Big Event is a full-day extravaganza at Worcester Cathedral and will see more than 1,200 business people dine in the nave of the historic building.

The fund-raising occasion, to generate money for the Cathedral's Music and Light Appeal, includes a Ladies Lunch.

This will consist of a champagne reception, lunch, stalls, and raffles.

Organiser Louise Hewett said most of the 400 places for the lunch had been snapped up.

"There's still time to book a place for the Ladies Lunch, which is not only a wonderful chance to raise some money for a good cause, but is also a huge networking opportunity," she said.

"There'll be a jazz band playing and several stalls will be selling exclusive goods prior to, and after, the lunch.

"Also there will be a silent auction to win a guided tour for two of Highgrove. I'm particularly pleased with this prize as there's a five-year waiting list normally.

"Another raffle will offer some fabulous prizes including a piece of specially-designed Anja Potze jewellery worth £500, clothes vouchers by Lynn Craig, dinner for four at the Epic restaurant in Dunhampton, and a four-hour deluxe beauty treatment.

"It should be a wonderful day and I'd urge any business woman who isn't attending to get in quick before it's too late.

"Also it's a great chance to really dress up. Although not compulsory, many of the ladies are wearing Ascot-style hats. The Hat Shop in Friar Street is doing discounts on hires especially for the occasion."

The Big Event takes place in Worcester next Thursday, October 28.

It includes a business breakfast and a gala evening banquet. The Ladies lunch takes place from 11.45am-4pm.

Tickets for the lunch cost £40 each or £400 for a table of 10. For more information, call Louise Hewett on 01562 69090.