This summer, The Arches Worcester Festivals is taking a step back towards what they do best with Same But Different; creating playful moments to stumble upon and bringing a splash of colour to the streets of Worcester from 19-23 July. The programme for Same But Different changes day by day so no two experiences will be the same. 

The city centre will see large-scale inflatable sculptures, interactive experiences from your phone, a visual poetry installation, Covid-safe walkabout work alongside pop-up shop front performances and a touring brass band. 

Alongside local creatives, The Arches Worcester Festivals are bringing brand new work and established artists to Worcester, proving you don’t need to travel further afield to experience culture, this summer. Same But Different features two brand new Without Walls commissions for 2021: Robot Selfie by Kaleider and Recovery Poems by Emergency Exit Arts. 

Robot Selfie asks the question: What happens when you give an unpredictable robot a massive canvas, a can of spray paint and a load of your faces? The robot will be drawing from 19-22 July and you will be able to submit your selfie soon via the Arches Festivals website, for a chance to see your face appear alongside others on a giant canvas in the city. 

Recovery Poems, was created by artists Robert Montgomery and Deanna Rodger, through talking and listening to communities about their thoughts and feelings as we come out of lockdown and recover from the pandemic. The inspiring light poem will visit public spaces in Worcester and provide opportunities for communities to reflect and be creative. 

If you can’t make it into the city during Same But Different or want to discover even more there will be digital experiences and elements of the programme that you can participate in from the comfort of your own home via your digital device including a new TikTok channel. 

Share what you discover during Same But Different by tagging @archesfests #SameButDifferent on social media. Check the website during Same But Different for daily programme updates: www.thearchesworcesterfestivals.co.uk/same-but-different.  

Laura Worsfold, CEO, Severn Arts said: “We are proud to be presenting some wonderful creative work for our first festival since Light Night 2020 and to be back in the city giving the people of Worcester some memorable and inspiring experiences to enjoy. We hope this week of the unexpected will bring a smile to all our faces and give just a taste of what is still to come.” 

David Edmunds, Festivals Director, Severn Arts said: “It is good to be back with a completely different type of festival. We are excited to bring the fun, playful and downright surreal to the city in what looks like an exciting summer of events.” 

Peter Knott, Area Director for Arts Council England said: “As the Arches project gets underway, this is an exciting and transformative time for Worcester, and we’re proud to be supporting it through the Cultural Development fund. Same But Different promises to bring creativity, outdoor art and citywide celebrations to the people of Worcester – and we look forward to seeing the local community come together safely to enjoy the festival.” 

Image: Installation by Designs in Air. Photo by Terry Rook - Glance Image

Read more about The Arches Worcester project.