MALVERN’S ever-popular well dressing festival is set to return with a theme ready to inspire imaginations young and old.
The event will see up to 45 wells creatively decorated in the theme of Folklore and Fairytales.
Given the area’s influence on fantastical novels such as Lord of The Rings, The Chronicles of Narnia and one of the oldest pieces of writing in the English language (Piers Ploughman), this year’s theme hopes to channel Malvern’s history of imaginative storytelling.
The festival starts with dressing the wells on Friday, May 2 with judging set to take place on Saturday, May 3. Prize giving with rosettes and certificates will take place on bank holiday Monday (May 5) in Priory Park.
Priory Park will play host to family fun events as part of the prize giving ceremony.
The annual event celebrates the history of the Malvern Hills district, from its iconic spring water and Victorian Water Cure to the area’s ancient Pagan traditions.
It is brought to the town by the Malvern Spa Association with local businesses and community groups taking part. Last year, over 800 people took part in dressing the wells, springs and sprouts.
Visitors can view the creations across town on foot, by bicycle or minibus tour. Maps can be downloaded from the Malvern Well Dressing Facebook page or from Malvern Tourist Information Centre.
Entertainment taking place includes singing, well blessings, British Society of Dowsers workshops, maypole and morris dancing, and much more.
Councillor Douglas Godwin, portfolio holder for economy and tourism, at Malvern Hills District Council said: ”We are really looking forward to the return of the Well Dressing Festival.
“It is such a great opportunity to celebrate Malvern’s history, and this year we have a lovely theme for people of all ages to enjoy.”
Phil Ironside, well dressing organiser, said choosing the theme for this years event was ‘immense fun as usual’.
He added: “Folklore & Fairytales has a huge scope, and we can’t wait to see what incredible creations the well dressers produce. This year there will be over 50 wells dressed.
“It is an amazing celebration of water and of Malvern’s water heritage. If anyone is interested in taking part this year we would be delighted to hear from you, it is always amazing fun.”
Visit www.malvernspa.org for more information. Contact the well dressing committee at [email protected] to take part.
