CONTROVERSIAL film dir-ector Ken Russell made a surprise visit to Malvern last week to make preparations for a new documentary he is filming on the Hills.

The flamboyant filmmaker, famous for films such as Tommy and Altered States, will be filming on the Malvern Hills later this month for a documentary on a film he made in the 1960s.

His TV film Elgar, released in 1962, was applauded by critics and named best loved TV show of the 1960s. Now Mr Russell is making a documentary for The South Bank Show about the movie.

Even football fans have been catered for with organisers erecting a special 20ft screen to relay England's World Cup tie with Denmark on Saturday lunchtime.

TCAS spokesman Sharon Gilbert said a great show had been lined up.

"People are still recovering from the effects of foot and mouth and the show is different in that we changed the name and enhanced the countryside focus," she said.

Visitors can expect a wide range of agricultural and horticultural attractions, show jumping, the Shetland Pony Grand National and harness racing, as well as as grass track motorbike racing and clay pigeon shooting.

The military will have a strong presence, with appearances by the Royal Signals Motorcycle Display Team and the Red Devils parachute display team.

"We're looking forward to this weekend, we're very positive," said Ms Gilbert.

Exhibitors setting up yesterday (Thursday) were also optimistic.

"It'll be interesting to see what it's like compared to last year," said Graham Askew, from Askews Power-Trac in Upton.

"If they can get the atmosphere back it'll get the standholders back."

The show is open 9am to 6pm from today (Friday) until Sunday (June 16). Admission is adults £11, senior citizens £9, children £5. A family ticket (two adults and three children) is £24.