A FESTIVAL celebrating Malvern's heritage is to return this May.

Thr Malvern Well Dressing and Water Festival celebrates Malvern’s history, from its iconic spring water and Victorian Water Cure to the area’s ancient Pagan traditions.

Up to 60 wells, springs and spouts will be decorated with imaginative designs based on the theme of ‘Flight’ and will be displayed during the May Bank Holiday weekend and into the following week.

On May 4, visitors will have the chance to enjoy a Health and Wellbeing Fair in Rose Bank Gardens. They can browse the popular Malvern Spring Arts and Food Market in the Priory Grounds which will be back for its 13th year in partnership with Boffy Markets.

May 5 will see a traditional donkey procession held at Malvern Museum. On May Day Monday, Priory Park will play host to a range of activities, with a water-themed family fun day, bumper cars, a bounce and slide, a surf simulator, hook a duck, The Puddle Duck entertainers and live music.

In addition, the Xplorer Trail for kids will return in partnership with Freedom Leisure, as well as the historic Victorian Water Cure Re-enactment and the Well Dressing Prize Giving Ceremony.

Over the weekend, the wells will also receive special blessings from various religious groups, including the Diocese, Druids and Buddhists.

Victoria Carman, visitor economy officer at Malvern Hills District Council, said: "We can’t wait to see all of the wonderful designs and decorations that our residents come up with for our Well Dressing and Water Festival.

"The event is an opportunity to celebrate Malvern’s rich history and we hope people will come from far and wide to enjoy what is on offer."

The Malvern Well Dressing and Water Festival has been organised by Malvern Hills District Council and Malvern Spa Association.