MAY I express my gratitude to the Malvern Gazette & Ledbury Reporter, to QinetiQ our principal sponsor, and all the other local business sponsors and individuals, who consistently give generous support to the Autumn in Malvern Festival.

Despite the commissioning of an important new work from an eminent young composer and the employment of a prestigious orchestra and artists, the festival receives no support from West Midland Arts or the local authority. The support of local businesses and individuals is therefore something of which Malvern can be justly proud.

Without this sponsorship I would not be able to mount the festival each year.

I can report that once again, people travelled from New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles and many parts of Britain to attend festival events. I had illuminating conversations with many in the various audiences ranging across the whole age spectrum. At the Japanese Exhibition, several children in the four to six years age group, showed extraordinary insight into the colour and composition of the woodblock prints, something that caused me to view the prints with a fresh outlook.

Finally, I would like to thank my loyal and hard working volunteer team, who help to take the strain and keep the wheels moving.

PETER SMITH, artistic director, Autumn in Malvern Festival, Worcester Road, Great Malvern.