Worcester gets Christmas Message from Euro Twin Towns
Worcester has received warm Christmas greetings from three of its European twin towns – Le Vésinet in France, Kleve in Germany and Ukmergė in Lithuania – to coincide with this year’s Victorian Christmas Fayre and the festive season.
These are three of Worcester’s international partner towns. The city is formally twinned with Kleve, Le Vésinet, Ukmergė, Gouzeaucourt (France) and Worcester, Massachusetts in the USA, and also has a strong Friendship Pact with Vernon in France – a relationship that is highly valued by both communities.
The Mayor of Worcester, Cllr Matt Lamb, said:
“Our international links with Kleve, Le Vésinet, Ukmergė, Gouzeaucourt, Worcester, Massachusetts and our friendship pact with Vernon are a real asset to our city.
They bring new ideas, friendships and opportunities to people here in Worcester, and they remind us that international cooperation and understanding really matter – especially at this time of year.
I’m very grateful for the warm Christmas greetings we’ve received from our friends overseas and I encourage local people to get involved with the City of Worcester Twinning Association so that these links continue to thrive.”
Rosemary Campbell, Chair of the City of Worcester Twinning Association, said:
“We are delighted to share these Christmas messages from our twin towns with the people of Worcester.
They speak about friendship, peace and staying connected across borders – values that feel especially important this Christmas.
On behalf of the City of Worcester Twinning Association, I’d like to wish everyone in our city, and in all our partner towns, a very happy, healthy, peaceful and prosperous New Year.”
Christmas messages from our twin towns
Le Vésinet, France – from Edith Fischof, Présidente of the Vésinet Twinning Committee:
“Bonsoir dear Friends in Worcester,
This year, the Christmas Fayre and our Christmas Market are happening at the same time, which means we can’t send an ambassador from our town.
But I wanted to send you a few words as Présidente of the Vésinet Twinning Committee, which your Chair, Rosemary Campbell, will kindly read on my behalf.
The Vésinet Twinning Committee wishes you a great success with your Christmas Fayre, a Merry Christmas, and above all, a wonderful 2026!
We will continue to foster the ties between Worcester and Le Vésinet through our various sports and cultural projects, which are open to all ages.
Joyeux Noël et bonne année 2026.”
Kleve, Germany – from Karl-Heinz Köster, President of Kleve Twinning Association:
“Guten Abend! Warmest Christmas greetings from Kleve to all friends and citizens of our twin town Worcester and the good company that comes with it!
Especially in these troubled times, this event can show how easy friendships can be made.
We should be grateful for the many years we have had together.
Wishing you all a Happy Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year.”
Ukmergė, Lithuania – from Neringa, a long-standing visitor to Worcester:
“Dear friends, I warmly congratulate you on your city celebration and sincerely thank you for our many years of cooperation.
Although I am unable to attend in person, my thoughts and best wishes are with you all on this special occasion.
I also wish you a joyful Christmas and a Happy New Year filled with peace, success and new opportunities.
May the coming year further strengthen our friendship and inspire new ideas.”
An open invitation to new members
The City of Worcester Twinning Association works with partners in all of Worcester’s twin towns – Kleve, Le Vésinet, Ukmergė, Gouzeaucourt and Worcester, Massachusetts – as well as its Friendship Pact with Vernon, to promote cultural exchanges, civic links, educational visits and lasting friendships between individuals, schools, community groups and businesses.
Cllr Sarah Murray, Lib Dem City Councillor and member of the City of Worcester Twinning Association, said:
“If you’ve ever enjoyed meeting visitors from abroad at our events, have links with one of our partner towns, or simply like the idea of building international friendships, we’d love you to join us.
The City of Worcester Twinning Association is open to everyone – individuals, families, schools and local organisations.
It’s a great way to meet new people, learn about different cultures and help represent Worcester on the international stage.”
Membership of the City of Worcester Twinning Association is open to all. Members are invited to take part in visits, exchanges, social events and local activities which support and celebrate the city’s international links.