Power of Worcester - The Project
In 2024, Crave Arts were funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and The Elmley Foundation to deliver an 18 month project about aspects of the history of power generation in Worcester. You can watch a film all about our project here (coming soon).
Did you know Worcester led the way in generating its own electricity? 2024 saw the 130th anniversary of Britain's first Municipal owned hydroelectric power station, at Powick Mills, Worcester.
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Our project focused on the subsequent City Centre power station on Hylton Road, near the main Worcester Bridge over the River Severn, built in 1902, extended in the 1940s and closed and demolished in the 1970s.
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We worked with a wonderful team. Sheena Payne-Lunn from Worcester City Council's Historic Environment Service prepared a detailed timeline of the history of power in Worcester and a fascinating exhibition about some of the key characters involved.
Volunteers Adam Sapic from WIALHS and Brian Garrett, former MEB worker, created presentations about electricity in Worcester, delivered to the public in 5 reminiscence sessions where we also gathered stories from people with memories of the power stations. We reached 80 people through visits to Platform Housing, The Hive, Hickory's Smokehouse and Diglis Island with our workshops, as well as an online session.
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Image of Hylton Road power station, 1940s
Images of Brian Garrett, Sheena Payne-Lunn and Adam Sapic at our reminiscence sessions
Once we'd gathered the facts and personal stories, we then took this heritage to people who were less aware of this aspect of Worcester's past.
Workshops were held with drama students at Heart of Worcestershire College, clients of Sight Concern (now Sensory Matters Worcestershire), older residents at Platform Housing and members of the public at Script Haven. We explored Worcester's power history in poetry, drama, and considered the metaphor of power, as well as the future of green energy.
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All the results of these workshops were then fed into a play, devised by Crave Arts, and performed at The Hive in October 2025.
Power of Worcester: The Play presents Amber, a teenager who doesn't think demolishing a children's playground is progress. She's there to stop the diggers. But she's soon joined by some interesting characters who know a little more about the site than she could ever have imagined. Will their stories have the power to make a difference? Watch the play here.
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Image of Script Haven workshop
Image of HoW College workshop
Images of Power of Worcester play and cast
'It brought history to life in a way that was both educational and entertaining'
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'My family and I really enjoyed Power of Worcester: The Play last night and I want to congratulate you both on your achievements! The play was lively and very engaging, striking the perfect balance between giving the audience the history of the Worcester power stations and telling an entertaining story'.
Our project's evaluation report, carried out by Social Research Builders, can be seen here.
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