So brilliant we want to do it again (From Worcester News)

So brilliant we want to do it again

1:20am Sunday 2nd September 2012 in News

MALVERN’S Diamond Jubilee celebrations were such a success that there are plans to do it all over again.

Thousands of people packed into the town for three days of patriotic celebrations back in June and organisers say that they have since been inundated with positive feedback and requests for something similar in 2013.

That overwhelming feel-good factor has led to plans to recreate the event next summer under the new banner of the Festival of Malvern.

Although taking place later in the summer, in early August, the event would follow the successful template used for the Jubilee with a three-day celebration based around three main events – a colourful carnival-style procession, a picnic in the park event in Great Malvern and a glitzy black- tie ball.

A host of other events would also be held and there is already talk of trying to get famous Malvern faces, such as violinist Nigel Kennedy and pop star Cher Lloyd , to lend their support.

“If we are going to do it then we are going to do it properly and try to make it a real showpiece for the town,” said Martin Burton, chairman of the Jubilee organising committee. “All the ingredients are there to build on and we will have more time on our side and all the experience from this year to build on.”

Mr Burton would like the festival to become an annual event attracting people from far and wide.

“This year the Jubilee was a nat-ional occasion and I would hope that we can capitalise on the absence of those other events elsewhere to encourage people to gravitate to Malvern and support us,” he said.

With the committee volunteer-led, Mr Burton said the event would absolutely depend on continued enthusiasm and support from the community. However, he does not envisage that being a problem.

“The support we received was amazing – we had about 6,000 people pack into Priory Park for the picnic and everyone has said it was just an unparalleled event for Malvern.

“Barnards Green was a sight to behold and I know that traders had an absolute bonanza.

“The whole weekend was vibrant. I thought that would be it – job done. But the requests to do it again are overwhelming.”

Chris Marks, acting chairman of the Great Malvern Association of Traders, is firmly in support.

“This event was a real success and anything that helps to bring people into the town is a huge bonus.

“Of course it would be difficult to replicate because the Jubilee gave it some real momentum, but there was such strong feeling from those who came that I am sure we could do something just as successful again.”

The committee is due to meet and discuss the idea at the start of September.