AROUND 200 people enjoyed a birthday party to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the official opening of Fort Royal Park.

A birthday cake was shared among people who came to the park to enjoy the celebrations on Monday, June 29.

At the party, children from Stanley Road Primary School performed songs they had prepared for the school’s own centenary celebrations the same month and an informal outdoor service was conducted by Canon Dr Michael Brierley.

A World War One bell tent was set up in the Park with Discover History staff dressed in period costume to highlight life in 1915, when the public park was first created.

The event was organised by the Friends of Fort Royal Park and Commandery Gardens.

The Friends’ chairman Councillor Lynn Denham said: “The celebrations went really well.

“We were really pleased. There was a great turnout.

“The cake was cut up and shared for free and every single bit went.

“Children, staff and parents from Stanley Road Primary School played percussion and the children sang songs from through the ages like Pack up your troubles in your old kit bag.

“It was lovely.”

She added: “The park has been loved by the Friends and local people over the years and we hope for more years to come.”

The Friends were supported by Worcester Cathedral who wanted to mark the formidable work carried out by Canon James Wilson in creating the park.

Canon Wilson bought some of the land on Fort Royal Hill for £450 and gave it to Worcester City Council to be used as a playground before persuading them to buy the remaining land on Wyld’s Lane to create further open space.

He achieved his aim even though World War One had begun and there were concerns from councillors about the cost of buying the land, laying it out and maintaining it.

The 100th anniversary cake was made by Sharon Amos, from Worcester Community Trust.

Coun Denham said the Friends were now planning a barbecue for August Bank Holiday Monday with the chance to watch the fireworks set off at South Quay to mark the end of Worcester Festival.

For more information, visit the Friends of Fort Royal Park and Commandery Gardens page on Facebook.