Festive tradition returns to Worcester’s riverside with our support

The Big Christmas Swan Feed returns to Worcester’s South Quay this December, bringing festive cheer, floating pellets and a sense of togetherness, made possible through our continued support.  

This free family event is organised by The Swan Food Project and gives the local community the chance to feed Worcester’s iconic flock, while learning about the sanctuary and how to protect it.  

The Big Christmas Swan Feed takes place on:  

• Boxing Day, Friday 26 December; 
• Monday 29 December – with special guest the Mayor of Worcester, Councillor Dr Matt Lamb; 
• New Year’s Day, Thursday 1 January 2026.  

Each feed will run from 2.00pm until 2.45pm at South Quay, with volunteers on hand to share swan friendly floating pellets and seasonal goodwill.  

Marilyn McCarthy, Chair and Project Coordinator at The Swan Food Project said: “The Swan Feed has become a real highlight of the festive calendar in Worcester.  We love welcoming families, neighbours and visitors to join us in caring for our wonderful flock.  It’s a celebration of our community and the natural beauty that surrounds us, and we’re so grateful to Platform for helping to make it happen once again.”  

The event is just one part of a wider community partnership between The Swan Food Project and ourselves.  Through its community fund, we support small, local organisations like Marilyn’s that make a big difference to wellbeing, education and inclusion.  

Paul Edwards, our Community Engagement Officer said: “It’s fantastic to see so many people coming together for such a simple but joyful experience.  We’re proud to support The Swan Food Project and all they do throughout the year, from maintaining safe river spaces to educating the next generation about wildlife and sustainability.  The Big Christmas Swan Feed is about connection, to place, to nature and to each other.” 

The feed takes place within Worcester’s Swan Sanctuary, a designated no fishing area established in the 1980s by Worcester City Council and Worcester Cathedral to protect the city’s flock.  Today, the area is monitored and cared for by volunteers who collaborate with Worcester City Council, the Cathedral and other voluntary groups operating in the Riverside Park.  

We encourage customers and local residents to come along, say hello and get involved.  No booking is required, just turn up on the day, wrap up warm and enjoy the magic of feeding swans by the river this Christmas.   

Photo caption : The local community at The Big Christmas Swan Feed on New Year’s Day 2024.