Hundreds of people are expected to support this year's Bands in the Park season in Malvern.

Priory Park events begin this month and continue throughout the summer, with performances by bands from across the Three Counties.

Malvern Town Council took over the organisation of the concert in 2001, when budget cuts by Malvern Hills District Council threatened their future. Since then, the event has gone from strength to strength.

Among the bands taking part are Malvern's Chase Brass Band, with concerts in June and August.

"It's our local venue and it's a great place to play, especially when the sun's shining," said Lee Mason, chairman of the management committee of the Chase Brass Band.

Jolly, upbeat numbers are favourites with the audience and Mr Mason said well-known tunes like Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines, Lily The Pink and the Ground- force theme tune went down well, along with popular Souza marches and Beatles' tunes.

"You see feet tapping and people clapping as soon as you start playing," said Mr Mason.

The season opens with a concert by Malvern Hills District Brass Band on Sunday, May 29, from 2.30pm to 4pm.

The programme continues with Malvern Chase Brass Band (June 5), The Shirley Band (June 12), Forest of Dean Brass (June 19), Lydbrook Band (June 26), Lydmet Lydney Band (July 3), Bell Inn Brass Band (July 10), Tewkesbury Town Band (July 17), Bream Silver Prize Band (July 24), Fusiliers Assn (Lancs) Band and Corps of Drums (July 31), Celebration Reed and Brass Band (August 7), Cinderford Band (August 14), Worcester Concert Brass (August 21), Malvern Chase Brass Band (August 28), Malvern Hills District Brass Band (September 4).