From quirky local get-togethers to large scale, world class spectaculars it’s all going on in The Malverns as the events scene comes into its own this summer season. The talented and passionate people of the district pull out all the stops every year to deliver a packed schedule of diverse festivals, events and activities; with something to suit all tastes. As home to the Three Counties Showground and Malvern Theatres The Malverns is no stranger to world class events and entertainment and this summer is no different with Heathers the Musical coming from a smash-hit run at the West End. Don’t miss your chance to see the riverside town of Upton upon Severn come alive as it plays host to multiple music festivals of all different genres including Jazz and Blues.
What’s more the annual Great Malvern Food Festival is back with a bang from1 – 2 July 2023 in Priory Park. All manner of delicious sweet treats, savoury morsels and cooking demonstrations will be on offer at one of the regions only FREE to enter food festivals.
Out of town venues like Eastnor Castle have packed calendars of activities, there’s always something going on at the Three Counties Showground and one of England’s oldest racetracks, Shelsley Walsh, is speeding through the season with events, races and car shows. There’s plenty happening for music lovers with El Dorado at Eastnor Castle, Sunshine Festival and Upton Jazz and Blues. If a full-on festival isn’t your thing Great Malvern’s much loved Bands in the Park programme provides the soundtrack to a leisurely afternoon with an ice-cream on your picnic blanket.
TOP FESTIVALS & eVENTS
Great Malvern Food Festival
You’ll be in for a treat at this year’s food festival, which is one of the only FREE food festivals in the region. Munch your way through an ever-growing selection of locally sourced produce sold at a number of market stalls and additional street food vendors.
Events at Eastnor Castle
Most summer days at Eastnor have a special event included in your ticket. Meet exotic animals, experience the zip-wire on family fun day, join in the teddy bears picnic or partake in the medieval madness at Knights and Princess School.
Events at the Three Counties Showground
This picturesque showground with the backdrop of the Malvern Hills has over 200 events during the year. Alongside the three major events, the RHS Malvern Spring Festival, the Royal Three Counties Show and the Malvern Autumn Show, the site hosts a food festival, dog shows, proms spitfire spectacular and much more.
NGS Open Gardens
Many of The Malverns gardens will be opening this summer for the National Garden Scheme open gardens. See the product of The Malverns green-fingered residents in bloom, many of them on the slopes of the hills with views over the Severn Plain.
Shelsley Walsh Events
Experience the excitement of the worlds oldest motorsport venue still running events on its original course. Specialising in speed hill climbs they offer meet ups for car enthusiasts, driving schools and of course thrilling races. Their popular Classic Nostalgia event returns on the weekend of 22/23 July 2023
Great Malvern Gin Festival
Taking place from Friday 18 – Sunday 20 August 2023 is Great Malvern’s 3rd Gin Festival – celebrating the many varieties of gin and gin cocktails available in the town. Come along to explore independent hospitality venues and the extensive range of gin they have to offer.
top Music Festivals & Events
Drunken Monkey Rock Festival 4 – 6 August 2023
This fabulous small rock festival features both rock bands playing original music and the very best of rock tribute acts over two stages. The festival raises money for the Midland Air Ambulance in memory of local biker Ian Downton.
Lakefest 10 – 13 August 2023
This family friendly festival has music for all tastes across 9 stages and 4 days. Acts include Johnny Marr and McFly. There is a great programme of activities and the setting in the valley, overlooked by Eastnor Castle, gives a great atmosphere.
Upton Jazz Festival 23 – 25 June 2023
Tickets sell out quickly to this popular festival. Free access to Jazz music, alongside a ticketed concert programme with some of best jazz musicians from the UK and abroad. The festival also nurtures upcoming musicians at the Jazz Fringe.
Upton Blues Festival 21 – 23 July 2023
Britain’s biggest and best FREE Blues Festival returns to Upton upon Severn with three main festival stages, over ten pub and bar venues, international & British bands and 160 FREE performances.
Sunshine Festival 24 – 27 August 2023
Popular weekend music festival with five stages. Confirmed acts playing include The Proclaimers, Bad Manners and Marc Almond.
Bands in The Park
The popular bands in the park programme is back for another musical season. Taking place on Sundays across the summer there is a wide range of free music from pop to rock to be enjoyed. Make it a day out and bring your picnic blanket, some chairs and the family to enjoy the music and atmosphere.
App Fest UK 27 – 30 July 2023
Four day family friendly music festival with the best in live music as well as a food market, traders stalls and fairground rides. The line-up includes Republica, Gabrielle, The Feeling, The Overtones and many more.
Malvern Rocks 28 – 30 July 2023
After a seven-year break, Malvern’s three-day contemporary music festival returns. Expect a diverse and eclectic line up of musical styles and performers with everything from punk to funk, folk to country, acoustic to jazz and all in between.
UPCOMING FESTIVALS AND EVENTS
Kids Rule! (Witley Court)
Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret (PG)
Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3 (PG)
Best of British
SUMMER OF FUN BLOGS
2023 Upton upon Severn Music Festivals (Rock, Pop, Folk, Jazz and Blues)
Head to Upton upon Severn for a variety of music festivals which take over the town…
Family Fun – Summer of Fun
Visit The Malverns for A Summer of Fun with activities and entertainment for the the whole family…
Mog The Forgetful Cat Comes to Malvern Theatres
The stage adaptation of Judith Kerr’s beloved stories about Mog the Forgetful Cat is coming to Malvern Theatres Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 June.
Bands in the Park Dates for Summer 2023
Taking place on Sunday’s across the summer there is a wide range of free music from pop to rock to be enjoyed…
Don’t Miss Madresfield Court Open Gardens & Fete
The historic Madresfield Court grounds in Malvern will be opened to the general public on Saturday 3 June 2023 for a family fete…
Especially in The Malverns
Especially in The Malverns you’ll discover unique cultural heritage, historic houses, gardens, the great outdoors, local food and drink and so much more!
