CROWDS in their hundreds enjoyed a water festival which made a big splash in Malvern while its time-honoured well dressing tradition revealed hidden depths of creative talent.
Families descended on Priory Park in Malvern on Bank Holiday for the Malvern Water and Well Dressing Festival.
Visitors were treated to the water cure re-enactment, Maypole and Morris dancing by So Xsighted Morris, based in Malvern, the only visually impaired Morris side in the country with three guide dogs as members.
Later in the afternoon, there was music by Journeyman and Malvern Samba Band, dancing by Malvern Stagecoach Dance School, a circus skills workshop and inflatables for the children as part of a series of festival events between May 4 and 12.
Prizes were also presented to the well dressing winners, including the children's prize - the Lionel Shorestone Award for Pixies Well (Abbey International College) and the adult prize of the Chairman's Cup for Link Station Pond by Aurum Autism Support Group.
In total, 54 wells were dressed across Malvern with this year's theme of 'trees' providing a new source of inspiration for well-dressers to let their talents blossom.
Visitors were also given the chance to see the wells in their full glory thanks to a minibus tour.
Between 1,000 and 1,500 people were involved in the well dressing.
Victoria Carman, visitor economy manager at Malvern Hills District Council said: "What a fantastic turnout at today's events in Priory Park.
"We're celebrating Malvern Spring Water with a family fun programme launching the well dressing prize giving ceremony and children's activities. I'm very pleased the weather has turned out great."
Carly Tinkler, Malvern Spa Association President, said she had been particularly impressed with the decoration of the Donkey Spout which showed tree branches laden not with fruit but, in an unusual twist, with bicycle wheels instead.
She said: "This was the first time that the MTB team entered the well dressing competition. And, as far as I'm concerned, this is going to be one of my all time favourite dressings. It's wonderful.
"The standard has been excellent. People have put more effort into the dressing this year than I have ever seen. I don't know whether the trees theme was more inspiring than other years. Some of the interpretations have been extraordinary."
The festival also coincided with the Spirit of Malvern En Plein Air Art Competition which saw artists create original pieces, including landscapes capturing the festivities. There were around 90 artists involved.
The annual event celebrates the history of the Malvern Hills, 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.
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