We want to recreate the jubilee next year (From Ledbury Reporter)

We want to recreate the jubilee next year

9:00am Monday 3rd September 2012 in Ledbury

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

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

That overwhelming feelgood factor has led to plans to recreate the event under the new banner of the “Festival of Malvern”.

Although taking place later in the summer, in early August, the event would be a three-day celebration based around a trio of main events – a colourful carnival-style procession, a Picnic in the Park 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 make it a real showpiece event 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.

With the committee volunteer- led, Mr Burton said the event would depend on continued enthusiasm and support from the community.

He does not envisage that being a problem though.

“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.

“The whole weekend was vibrant.”

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