NEWS: Malvern Well Dressing Festival returns with new theme

The Malvern Well Dressing Festival is set to return with a theme ready to inspire imaginations young and old.  

The popular festival, which will be held from Saturday, 3 May to Sunday, 11 May 2025, will see up to 45 wells creatively decorated in the theme of Folklore and Fairytales. 

This year’s theme connects to Malvern’s history of storytelling, magic, and folklore, as the area is thought to have inspired Lord of The Rings, The Chronicles of Narnia and one of the oldest pieces of writing in the English language, Piers Ploughman.  

The festival starts with dressing the wells on Friday, 2 May, Judging takes place on Saturday, 3 May, and prize giving with rosettes and certificates on Bank Holiday Monday, 5 May, in Priory Park where family fun day also takes place. 

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 wonderful creations by setting off across the hills on foot, by bicycle or a 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.

Cllr 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: “As usual we had immense fun at the theme choosing evening. '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”. 

To take part contact the well dressing committee at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more details. 

Visit Malvern Well Dressing on Facebook or www.malvernspa.org for more information. 

NEWS PUBLISHED: 5 Feb 2025.