Festive cheer with the return of the Great Malvern Christmas Festival

The long-awaited Christmas Festival is all set for a welcome return this month after it was cancelled last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The popular event takes place on Saturday 27 November from 10am to 6.30pm in Great Malvern Town Centre.

Various activities will be held around the town on Church Street, Belle Vue Island, Priory Church Grounds, Abbey Road and Great Malvern Library.

There will be lots on offer for visitors to enjoy, from local musicians performing festive favourites, street performers, arts and food market, a Christmas grotto, carol singing and a polar bear roaming the streets.

The BBC Hereford and Worcester stage will also once again return to Belle Vue Island, hosting festive music from 3.30pm and the Christmas light switch on with Malvern Theatres Peter Pan pantomime stars at 6pm.

Children will have the chance to meet Father Christmas in his grotto at Great Malvern Library with festive music and activities.

The Morgan Route Master Bus will also be in front of Belle Vue Island, together with adorable retired police dogs and an animatronic polar bear.

The Great Malvern Christmas Festival has been organised by Malvern Hills District Council in partnership with Malvern Town Council, Boffy Arts Markets, Great Malvern Priory and Great Malvern Library.

Cllr Daniel Walton, Portfolio Holder for Tourism and Economic Development at Malvern Hills District Council, said: "We are really looking forward to bringing back the festive fun to Great Malvern and welcoming all visitors and residents once again, it was greatly missed last year. The event always has such a wonderful atmosphere and we hope everyone enjoys all the fun festivities and activities that will be on offer for the whole family."

Cllr Nick Houghton, Mayor of Malvern Town Council said: "It is great that this year we can once again gather to celebrate the start of the Christmas season with these fantastic outdoor activities."

Contact the Tourist Information Centre on 01684 892289 or visit www.visitthemalverns.org/event/great-malvern-christmas-festival for more information.