ONE of Malvern's most prominent annual events returned last week.

The Malvern Festival of Innovation allowed residents to take part in a week of science and technology themed events.

The week kicked off with BBC technology reporter Rory Cellan-Jones talk on-stage with festival founder Dr Adrian Burden about his life and career.

He gave insights into iconic moments including the launch of the first ever iPhone, the rollout of 5G in the UK, and his televised interview with Elon Musk.

Dr Burden said: "With all the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, we were both relieved and pleased that the festival progressed as planned, enabling people to meet safely in-person and benefit from the energy generated at live events.

"We also thank all our sponsors and supporters, including the cross-festival support of West Midlands Railway’s ‘Your Community, Your Fund’.

Other events included the "Next Generation Innovators" schools’ day, involving more than 20 exhibitors showcasing science and technology to senior school students ahead of their GCSE subject choices.

These included technology businesses like GE Aviation, QinetiQ, Malvern Panalytical, Mazak, IASME and Indra alongside outreach organisations like the Institute of Physics, Bloodhound Education, The IET and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.

Award-winning scientist Dr Anna Ploszajski also travelled to the event from London to talk with students about everyday materials and their selection.

Dan Barker, the host of the popular Thriving Three Counties podcast took to the stage to interview leadership consultant Lucy Barkas, product designer Kristo Shivachev, and business operations manager Ruth Allsopp about their career and management insights.

This was followed by a session highlighting the role of intellectual property, the nature of innovation ecosystems and the importance of cashflow management in a start-up business.

In addition, five comedians travelled from around the country to The Old Con Club on Church Street for an evening of hilarious and yet intellectual science comedy.

This was hosted by Dr Steve Cross and rounded-off with live music from John Hinton’s “Ensonglopedia” show.

For more information about the Festival and its past editions over the last decade, please visit www.festival-innovation.com