ONE of Malvern's most popular summer events returned this weekend.

The Mayor's Bonanza, which is held every year in the town, also saw the opening of its new basketball courts by mayor Cllr Nick Houghton.

This year's event was the first to be held in Victoria Park, with the Bonanza having previously taken place in Priory Park.

£2,900 was raised for Cllr Houghton's chosen charities - What Makes You Different Makes You Beautiful and The Outreach Project.

Bank Holiday Sunday say two brand new NBA-approved FlexCourt basketball courts opened by the Cllr Houghton and the Malvern Hills District Council chair Cynthia Palmer.

Victoria Park was full of crowds throughout the day with more than 500 players using the basketball courts and an estimated further 1,000 people enjoying the attractions at the Mayor’s Bonanza.

Music from Supernova, Sarah Martyn Acoustic Duo, The Brethryn, and Gene Genie and the Lemon Squeezers kept the crowds entertained throughout.

The public were also entertained with performances from Dance in Motion and Mark Russell who, as Mr Doo, wowed crowds with his circus skills.

Cllr Nick Houghton said: “This year we decided to hold the event in Victoria Park, which is a great Malvern Town Council asset.

"We saw one of the largest crowds for a Bonanza at this year’s event, which is fantastic news.

"I would like to thank everyone who came and supported the event, the councillors who volunteered on the day and of course Malvern Town Council staff who make the day possible through hard work and planning over many weeks prior to the event itself."

The official opening of the basketball courts was followed by basketball teams playing short competitions throughout the afternoon, group basketball coaches running sessions for under 16’s, under 14’s and under 11’s as well as shoot the hoop sessions too.

Jon May, one of founders of the Malvern Hoops Campaign said: “The feedback we have received from this project has been unbelievable with people from around the country including Manchester, Liverpool and London saying they wish they had this type of facility in their area.

"It has also inspired others to go on and start their own campaigns to improve their local basketball area using Malvern as the example."