A FEAST of festive fun is in store as Malvern gets set to begin the countdown to Christmas in style.
The Great Malvern Christmas Festival takes place on Saturday and will include the traditional lantern parade and Christmas lights switch-on.
Starting from 10am, there will be a series of street performances in and around the town centre including the Appleyard Dancers, Old Meg Morris, Drumlove, Rock Choir and Second Line Jazz Band to name a few.
The main man himself, Father Christmas, will also be there in his grotto in Great Malvern Library taking present requests from all the good boys and girls.
The venue will also be hosting a short performance from Malvern Area Music String Orchestra.
Free refreshments and children’s activities will be on offer in Great Malvern Priory Church while within its grounds, visitors will be able to start their Christmas shopping at the artisan food, arts and craft market.
The lantern parade will begin at 5.40pm with those taking part making their way up to Belle Vue Island for the big light switch-on at 6pm.
This year the stars of Malvern Theatres pantomime Cinderella, which this year features This Morning’s Alison Hammond, will do the honours.
Shortly after there will be carols to enjoy from Malvern Chase Brass Band with a further carol concert taking place within Priory Church to get people into the festive spirit.
Duncan Douglas, of Leigh Sinton Christmas Tree Farm, Mayor of Malvern Coun Cynthia Palmer and local electrician Andrew Box. (s)
This year, the tree on Belle Vue Island has also had an upgrade.
The old white lights have been replaced with an array of multi-coloured bulbs and the town council’s operations team have worked hard to create a beautiful 3D twinkling star for the top.
Coun Chris O’Donnell, chairman of Malvern Hills District Council which jointly organises the event with Malvern Town Council, said: “The Great Malvern Christmas Festival has grown in popularity in recent years and it’s always wonderful to see the community come together to celebrate the start of the festive season.
“I hope to see you all there.”
The full programme for the day is available to view at www.visitthemalverns.org.
