A week on from the Battle of Evesham Festival, I wanted to pay tribute to Mick Hurst and the amazing team of volunteers who work so hard to make the festival a reality each year.
Evesham has an incredibly rich history, right up there with the likes of Hastings and Bosworth, and Mick and his team play a vital role in bringing that history to life for new generations.
Of course, it is important that we celebrate and preserve our history from an educational and cultural point of view, but we should not overlook the enormous economic benefits events like the Battle of Evesham bring to the town.
For both the medieval market and the battle weekend itself, tens of thousands of visitors come to Evesham from across the country and, in some cases, from around the world. They stay in our hotels and B&Bs, eat and drink in our pubs and restaurants, visit local shops and spend money in the wider local economy.
For Evesham to thrive, events like this really matter. They showcase our town, celebrate what makes it special and provide a significant boost to local businesses.
I’m incredibly pleased to continue supporting the Battle of Evesham Festival, and once again, a huge thank you to Mick and every volunteer who gives up their time to make it happen.