ONE of the county's most popular festivals celebrated its triumphal return from the chaos of the Covid pandemic.

Mappfest, which was cancelled in 2020 due to the lockdown, went ahead at the start of August and organiser Andy Mapp said it was a roaring success.

He said: "I want to say a great big thank you after our most successful Mappfest yet.

"Despite the rain and wind I think it's true to say we had a damn good time.

"All I ask is that you support our fundraisers throughout the year to enable us to raise even more for our charities.

"I'll announce the total raised in the next couple of days when the last bits and bobs have been settled up.

"Considering the rain and wind, and lack of fundraisers during the lockdown and the fact we only had the one day this year, I'm sure we did darn well under the circumstances.

"One again, thank you all."

This year's Mappfest featured local acts including Non-Jovi and Wizards of Oz.

It raised money for charities Headway, St Richard's Hospice and Water Rescue UK.

Mappfest started as a garden party hosted by Andy Mapp in 2009 with a Raffle for charity with a couple of live performers, and has grown into an annual event held on Malvern Common.

Much of the money raised comes from the annual raffle and tombola, with a licensed bar, food, craft stalls and children's fairground rides.

In past years there have been flyovers from the Red Arrows, Spitfires, Hurricanes ,a Dakota and even the Lancaster Bomber.

The festival has won the Pride of Malvern Hills Community People’s Choice Award, as well as being shortlisted for other festival awards and volunteer met Princess Anne in 2018 as recognition for its work to help charities in the area.