DSITINGUISHED artists are set to descend on Malvern to mark the 25th anniversary of the Autumn Festival.

The festival got underway with a performance at the University of Worcester Arena, by the BBC National Orchestra Of Wales in September, but celebrations are to continue in the town, linked to the commemorations of the First World War.

Peter Smith, founder and artistic director of the festival, said: "I am very proud to have reached this anniversary. When it first started, it was an adventure, but with hard work and great support from volunteers and a core, regular audience, we have come this far which is a great achievement.

"The performance at the arena was something special, but we strive to include the community as much as possible every year, which is why there's a host of events throughout the town during the weekend.

"Each year, we have a theme running through the festival, and this year's is the First World War anniversary, which should make it even more poignant and special.

"We all appreciate the support we have received over the years, and hopefully it continues. We usually have around 5,000 guests across all the events, which is wonderful."

At Malvern College, poet laureate, Carol Ann Duffy, and author and playwright Peter Sutton, are just some of the guests who will be giving talks on the sequence of music and literature, reflections of The First World War and on the Malvern Hills countryside.

During the same night, on Friday, October 17, Polish violinist Bartosz Woroch, accompanied by musician Sam Armstrong, will be performing pieces written by Edward Elgar, including his Violin Sonata.

On Saturday, October 18, the festivities continue, again at Malvern College.

Fine Arts Brass Ensemble, who have toured all across America, will be headlining the performances, in which they will be perform a programme of classical songs, together with British composer Roxanna Panufnik.

As well as these main events, there will be street performers playing in the town centre, and community used buildings such as Malvern Library, and the Theatre of Small Convenience, will be hosting exhibitions throughout the weekend too.

Tickets are available for purchase on the door for each night at the college.

For more information on the Autumn in Malvern Festival, visit malvernfestival.co.uk.

Further information can be sought at Malvern Tourist Information Centre.