DO you know to which island the mediaeval residents of Worcester fled when attacked by enemies or plague, or where in 19th Century Worcester were the biggest nurseries in the world, covering 157 acres?

Any idea where the Worcester Exhibition of 1882 was held, or when birching of young offenders outside the Guildhall was stopped?

All guests at The Big Event breakfast, lunch and dinner in the nave of Worcester Cathedral can find out about these and many more stories when they receive a first edition of a specially-commissioned commemorative 170-page book A Celebration of Worcester.

The book has been compiled over the past six months by two The Big Event committee members, Sue George and Dinah Saville.

From journalists and museum staff to long-standing members of the community, people from all round the city have contributed information, history and photographs.

Ms George explained that the book was the brainchild of the banquet's co-ordinator, David Hallmark, from Hallmarks Solicitors, in Sansome Place. "He thought it would be a nice memento for people to have," she said.

"The theme for the evening will be a celebration of Worcester. We researched it by going to institutes like businesses and schools for information about Worcester."

She added that the Evening News' very own Michael Grundy was a big help as he made available all of his Memory Lane articles.

Photographs

She also thanked city photographer Clive Haynes for taking many of the book's superb photographs.

Copies can be bought for £10 from the Worcester Cathedral shop and from city bookshops.

The Big Event, which takes place on Thursday, October 28, will raise funds for The Worcester Appeal for Music and Light - a three-stranded £5m appeal for funds to develop and sustain voices, music and lights at the Cathedral.