AFTER one of the wettest weeks in recent history, organisers of Malvern Fringe’s May Day celebration were understandably anxious as Saturday dawned.

But the rain held off, and the daylong event in Priory Park proved to be another success.

Young and old came to enjoy a day of music, with a range of performers including Vo and Tyler, the Vaudeville Tramp Band, Sam Eden, the Tree Frogs, Threshing Ground and more.

Youngsters could take part in workshops including street art with Marko Antonio, percussion with Drum Love, mask-making with Kirsty Fraser and plant-potting with the Monksfield allotment holders.

Greenlink provided a vegetarian café, and for those in need of liquid refreshment, Malvern Hills Brewery came up with a special May Day ale, which was much relished by beer lovers in the crowd.

Jai Hill, the Bard of Malvern, gave his customary bardic address from the bandstand, and later, dressed as Bananaman, led the procession which is always one of the day’s highlights.

The Malvern Samba Band provided intoxicating rhythms and Dawn-Marie Wedlock’s dancers strutted their stuff from the park, through the Abbey Archway, down Church Street and back to the park via Grange Road.

Sam Hemming, of the Fringe, said: “We want to thank everyone who took part. The event was a little smaller this year because we couldn’t get funding, but it’s what the people of Malvern bring to it that makes it a success.”