TOWN mayor Cynthia Palmer was joined by other civic dignitaries at Belle Vue Island on Saturday for a ceremony marking the opening of Midsummer Malvern.

Previously known as civic week, the week-long event has included lectures, exhibitions, concerts and film showings.

The event has been organised by Malvern Civic Society, with this year's week marking the 50th anniversary of the Civic Amenities Act, which introduced many protections for the country's heritage.

Following the ceremony, which included a performance by the Appleyard Dancers, the mayor and town crier led a procession to Malvern Theatres, where the prizes for a children's literary competition were presented.

Clive Hooper, chairman of the civic society, said: "It's been going very well. We have unveiled a new information board at Great Malvern ceremony, which will inform visitors about its history, and show where the graves of notable people are located.

"We have also had a very good talk by Jack Hegarty, chief executive of the district council, who talked about the potential conflicts between co0nservation and economic growth."