DETAILS of the hugely popular Bands in the Park season have been announced, with Malvern Town Council saying it hopes for even bigger crowds this year.

The town council took on the event in 2001, when budget cuts by Malvern Hills District Council had threatened its future and has since been working to develop the season.

Concerts are held in the bandstand in Priory Park and attract large crowds to watch bands drawn from around the Three Counties.

The council is supported by Malvern Theatres, which provides seating, and this year has reached agreement with The Vineyard restaurant at the venue to provide interval refreshments for band members and to sponsor a performance.

Malvern Civic Society has also agreed to sponsor a performance and the council is appealing for any other firms or groups willing to do the same to contact it.

The new season opens on Sunday (May 19) with the Avon Bank Brass Band. Concerts take place between 2.30pm and 4.30pm.

Future dates are: May 26, The Band of the Gloucestershire Constabulary; June 2, The Bell Inn Brass Band; June 9, Halesowen Brass Band; June 16, Malvern Hills District Brass Band; June 23, Cinderford Band; June 30, Stourport Brass Band; July 7, Chalford Brass Band; July 14, The Band of the West Mercia Constabulary; July 21, Gloucester Excelsior Band; July 28, Bream Silver Band; August 4, The Celebration Reed and Brass Band; August 11, Tewkesbury Town Band; August 18, Shirley Band; August 25, Malvern Hills District Brass Band; September 1, Swindon Pegasus Brass Band; September 8, Worcester Concert Brass; September 15, Chase High School Band.