PLANS are well under way to break out the bunting in Malvern for a fabulous Queen’s Diamond Jubilee week at the beginning of June.

Community groups and businesses are joining for-ces to stage a wide variety of events to mark the 60th ann-iversary of Queen Elizabeth II taking the throne in 1952.

A vibrant programme of activities is currently being put together. It already features a mayor’s ball on Friday, June 1, an official opening ceremony at Malvern Theatre the next morning and a jubilee parade in the afternoon.

A jubilee service will be held in Malvern Priory on the Sunday afternoon, and on Monday, June 4, a jubilee picnic will be held in Priory Park featuring a craft fair, games and entertainment, followed by the lighting of a bonfire on the Worcestershire Beacon in the evening.

For music lovers there will be a series of concerts at Malvern Theatre and Malvern Priory including a piano recital and master class with John Lill, a 50s- themed concert and Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra.

There will also be entertainment from Bands in the Park at Priory Park.

There are plans for walks, lectures, films, theatre, exh-ibitions, an all-day food fair and a literary day. A senior schools’ literary competition will challenge young writers to take inspiration from authors such as Tolkien and CS Lewis and composer Edward Elgar.

Roger Sutton, chairman of Malvern Civic Society, said: “We are among the organisations involved in the jubilee celebrations, but it’s very much a collaboration with community groups, councils and local businesses all deeply involved.

“Any other people or groups who want to become involved should contact me on 01684 565273 or e-mail chair.mcs@btinternet.com.”