IAN Beresford-Greaves' letters condemning last month's Elgar Festival Fringe event have, I am sure, occasioned the wider community much amusement over the past several weeks. However, I think now that it's time he considered turning his attention to another subject matter.

Mr Beresford-Greaves is going to have to accept the fact that the vast majority of Malvern's populace greatly enjoyed the three days of entertainment and fun that was on offer during the first three days of June, that the Festival Fringe has returned to stay as an annual event, and can only become ever more successful as the years go by.

Malvern is a diverse community, with the maturity and big-heartedness to embrace all tastes and cultures.

This fact was recognised first and foremost by Elgar himself, who in addition to creating his masterful musical works was also fond of jazz, and enjoyed nothing better than the occasional carnival-type event to enliven the area he loved. He was not a snob, took a keen interest in innovation and was of modest and generous spirit.

There can be no better tribute to the man than to compliment the main Elgar Festival with a varied and multi-cultural few days of drama, art and music for all people to enjoy.

I trust we will now have heard the last of all the negative criticism to have issued from Mr Beresford-Greaves' pen. Sir Edward Elgar was a man, not an icon and to sanctify him or his beautiful music is quite frankly an insult to him.

OWEN MORGAN, secretary, Malvern Fringe Arts, Cowleigh Road, Malvern.