The Malvern Water and Well Dressing Festival is set to return better than ever for 2025.

The popular festival, which will be held from 3 - 11 May 2025, will see many wells, springs and spouts creatively decorated according to a selected theme. This year the wells will be decorated in the theme of Folklore and Fairytales. The theme is fitting as The Malverns has many connections to folklore, both modern and ancient, having inspired Lord of The Rings, The Chronicles of Narnia and one of the oldest pieces of writing in the English language Piers Ploughman

The festival starts with dressing the wells on Friday, 2 May, judging takes place on Saturday, 3 May, and prize giving with rosettes and certificates on Bank Holiday Monday, 5 May, in Priory Park where family fun day also takes place.

The annual event celebrates the history of the Malvern Hills District, from its iconic spring water and Victorian Water Cure to the area's ancient Pagan traditions.

It is brought to the town by the Malvern Spa Association with local businesses and community groups taking part. Last year, over 800 people took part in dressing the wells, springs and sprouts.

Visitors can view the wonderful creations by setting off across the hills on foot, by bicycle or a minibus tour. Maps can be downloaded from the Malvern Well Dressing Facebook page or from Malvern Tourist Information Centre.

Entertainment taking place includes singing, well blessings, maypole and morris dancing, and much more.

Cllr Douglas Godwin, Portfolio holder for Economy and Tourism, at Malvern Hills District Council said: "We are really looking forward to the return of the Well Dressing Festival, it is such a great opportunity to celebrate Malvern's history, and this year we have a lovely theme for people of all ages to enjoy”.

Phil Ironside, Well Dressing Organiser, said: “As usual we had immense fun at the theme choosing evening. 'Folklore & Fairytales' has a huge scope, and we can't wait to see what incredible creations the Well Dressers produce. This year there will be over 50 wells dressed. It is an amazing celebration of water and of Malvern's water heritage. If anyone is interested in taking part this year we would be delighted to hear from you, it is always amazing fun”.

To take part contact the well dressing committee at malvernwelldressing@gmail.com for more details.

Visit Malvern Well Dressing on Facebook or www.malvernspa.org for more information.

Image copyright: Sue Warner

Find Out more

Malvern Hills District Council only recommends drinking Malvern Water from Malvhina Fountain in Great Malvern.