THIS year's Malvern May Day event, promises an explosion of dance, music and colour in a community celebration of springtime.

Now in its tenth year, the event, on Saturday, May 3, has become one of the high points of Malvern's calendar.

Schools across the town and beyond have been working on masks for the procession, which this year has the theme fire and earth.

The event in the park starts at 11am, while the procession will leave Priory Park at noon, sent off by Malvern mayor Frances Victory and led by Malvern Samba.

There will be live music in the park throughout the day, including world music from Flatworld and folk-rock from Splatt, plus local newcomers Misused and Push Me Under.

There will also be displays of contemporary dance from Worcester Royal Grammar School and from local choreographer Lauren Bentley.

The park will also be enlivened by charities and a crafts market, workshops, wandering entertainers and a tea tent.

Among the schools taking part are the Grove, Madresfield and Colwall primary schools, the Chase and Christopher Whitehead high schools, Malvern Girls' College and Rosehill School, Worcester.

Groups from Malvern Gymnastics Club and Malvern Youth Centre will also be taking part.

Prizes for winners of the Malvern Spa Association well-dressing competition will be awarded at 4pm and the afternoon's festivities end at 5.30pm.

But for those who want to continue the festivities late into the evening, there is a party at the Great Malvern Club, Church Street, with music from DJ Mr Hei, starting at 9pm.

Marshals are still needed for the parade, volunteers can call Phil Howard on 01684 573451.