On 5 July 2023, the nation came together to mark the 75th anniversary of the NHS an institution that has been at the heart of British life since 1948. Across the UK, communities, charities, and local organisations hosted celebrations as part of the NHS Big Tea, raising a cup in honour of the staff and volunteers who keep the service running.
Here in Worcester, the BBC’s flagship magazine programme The One Show chose our city as a backdrop for one of its special anniversary broadcasts. Produced by Topical Television, the feature highlighted both the history and the ongoing importance of the NHS, with Worcester residents and NHS staff sharing their stories on screen.
Worcester’s historic setting home to the cathedral, riverside, and thriving local NHS services provided the perfect stage to reflect on 75 years of care, community, and resilience. The filming followed earlier visits by The One Show to the city, including a memorable broadcast from Worcester Cathedral earlier in the year.
As part of the celebrations, NHS charities across Worcestershire encouraged local people, businesses, and community groups to host their own Big Tea events. From hospitals to community halls, teas were poured and cakes were shared in support of the NHS’s birthday, raising funds and awareness for the future of local healthcare.
Topical Television, a trusted BBC supplier, is well known for producing engaging, human-led stories for The One Show. For this special NHS 75th anniversary broadcast, their production team brought Worcester’s people and places to a nationwide audience—capturing both the gratitude and pride felt across the city.
As the NHS looks to the future, Worcester’s involvement in the anniversary celebrations stands as a reminder of the strong bond between the service and the communities it serves. We’re proud that our city was chosen to help mark this historic milestone and delighted that local stories were shared with millions of viewers across the UK.