The King’s coronation is the inspiration for the theme of this year’s Malvern Well Dressing Festival.
The popular festival, which will be held from Saturday, April 29 to Sunday, May 7, will see more than 50 wells creatively decorated in the theme of ‘Kings and Queens’.
The festival starts with dressing the wells on Friday, April 28. Judging takes place on Saturday, April 29, and prize-giving with rosettes and certificates is on Bank Holiday Monday, May 1, in Priory Park, where a family fun day also takes place.
READ MORE: Best photos from Malvern Well Dressing Festival 2022
The theme connects with the coronation of King Charles III, which takes place on Saturday, May 6. But anyone taking part in the dressing of wells can also link it with historical, mythical or fictional Kings and Queens.
The annual event celebrates the history of the Malvern Hills District, 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.
Around 200 adults and more than 500 schoolchildren will all be involved in dressing the wells across Malvern.
'A marvellous theme'
Visitors can view the creations by setting off across the hills on foot, by bicycle or on a self-drive tour.
Maps can be downloaded from the Malvern Well Dressing Facebook page or from Malvern Tourist Information Centre.
Entertainment taking place includes singing, well blessings, minibus tours and more.
Cllr Daniel Walton, cabinet member for tourism at Malvern Hills District Council, said: “We are really looking forward to the return of this popular festival, it is always such a great opportunity for residents, schools and community groups to come together and take part in dressing the wells and springs.”
Well Dressing organiser Rick Banbury said: “What a marvellous theme Kings and Queens is, so fitting for the build-up to the coronation.
“While for those who are less engaged, there’s a mass of possibilities including nursery rhymes, fairy tales, rock stars and drag artists. This theme has it, to excite dressers to make wonderful creations come Mayday.”
Visit Malvern Well Dressing on Facebook or www.malvernspa.org for more information.
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