LOOKING for something to do today?

Here's a few ideas for a visit to the city.

Saturday August 12

The Worcester Festival is returning to the city and bringing with it a series of family-friendly events.

• Shirley Pipe Band performance, Guildhall, 11am

The Shirley Pipe Band is returning to Worcester to perform on the opening day of the Festival. Join the players of the band outside the Guildhall as they help get the Worcester Festival off to a cracking start, along with Percy the Peacock and the official opening from the Mayor of Worcester.

• St Richards Hospice Duck Race, South Quay, 2pm -4pm

The annual St Richards Hospice Duck Race is back! Sponsor a duck and watch them race down the river with prizes for the winning ducks.

Ducks will be sold from 11am at South Quay, or why not beat the queues and sponsor your duck online.

Prizes for winning ducks include the best fancy dress duck, an £80 voucher, first large duck, a £50 voucher and the first small duck will get a £30 voucher.

Small ducks cost £5, large ducks cost £7 and fancy dress limited edition duck costs £25 (only 5 available).

All proceeds go directly to St Richard’s Hospice, supporting the care and services that they provide to patients and their families throughout Worcestershire.

• Shakespeare’s “As you like it” performance, Greyfriars’ House & Garden, 7pm – 11pm

A lively open air performance of Shakespeare's 'As You Like It' from critically acclaimed MadCap Theatre at the Greyfriars House and Gardens.

Adult Tickets start from £13.00 and Concession tickets are £11.00.

• German/British band V2A performance, The Marrs Bars, 8pm – 11:30pm

V2A is a German/British band who conquered dancefloors of clubs with their unique sound between EBM, Industrial and Techno.

They were selected in 2013 by BBC UK Radio as their most under the radar band in 2013 and since then have been featured on air multiple times, ranging from radio Interviews, live recording sessions and live shows.

Tickets start from £5.50

• Stranglers tribute band, Straighten Out performance, Huntingdon Hall, 7:30pm

Straighten Out is the premier Stranglers tribute band out there. With an extensive set-list that spans two solid hours, they re-create the ‘early years’ sound of The Stranglers with them playing classics like Peaches, Hanging Around, No More Heroes and many more. Tickets start from £15.00.

Sunday 13th August

• Worcester Show, Gheluvelt Park, 10am - 5pm

A fantastic free event for all the family! Show off your growing, crafting, baking or artistic skills by entering one of over 130 classes, volunteer, or just turn up on the day to marvel at the skills on show.

Enjoy a wide variety of music, food, entertainment, sports zone, kids’ zone, and stalls from local businesses and craftspeople.

Visit worcestershow.org.uk for all the info, or visit the Worcester Show's facebook page.

• Fossils in the Geopark exhibition, Cathedral, 10am – 5pm

This free exhibition tells the story of fossil corals, trilobites, ammonites and dinosaurs from as long ago as 400 million years right through to the last Ice Age. Exhibition located in the Dean’s Chapel.

• Battle of Worcester City Walk, Guildhall, 11am to noon

Join The Battle of Worcester Society guides as they take you on a fascinating and remarkable tour of one of England’s most historic cities. Learn about the last battle of the English Civil War, see some of the key sites associated with the battle, and learn things you never knew about the Faithful City.

The tour finishes in the back garden of The Commandery, where Worcester residents also gain free entry.

• Riverside Arts Market, South Quay, 11am – 5pm

The Riverside Arts Markets 2017 will be held at South Quay by the fountains and along Worcester’s picturesque riverside on the three Sundays of the Festival. A variety of art stalls will be selling paintings and drawings, sculpture, glass, ceramics, and jewellery.

• Funky Faces Face Painting, South Quay. 11:30am – 3:30pm

Youngsters can choose from butterflies, flowers, super heroes and more, or ask for something bespoke.

Children of all ages are welcome to have their faces painted for free, although the recommended minimum age is 2½ years.

There is absolutely no upper age limit, so everyone can join in the fun!