Malvern Hills District Council encourages festivals and event organisers to operate with sustainability practices as a common goal to ensure the long-term vitality of the area.
MHDC has produced the following guidelines to improve sustainability at festivals and events in the district by using best practice policies by 2030. Please click here for information about the Malvern Hills District Council 2025-2030 Regenerative Tourism Strategy which includes performance indicators, monitoring and targets for the benefit of the local economy, communities and the environment related to tourism and events.
Vision Statement:
To host events that celebrate the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Malvern Hills district/towns, fostering community engagement while minimising environmental impact and promoting sustainable practices.
Malvern Hills District Council aims to support the development of festivals and events with a new cultural partnership and plan set up to help deliver the strategy. More information will be available in 2026.
Sustainability Goals
- Environmental Stewardship
- Reduce Carbon Footprint: Prioritise low-emission transportation options and energy-efficient venues.
- Waste Minimisation: Implement waste reduction strategies, including composting and recycling.
- Conserve Resources: Utilise sustainable materials and reduce single-use plastics.
- Community Engagement
- Local Collaboration: Partner with local vendors, artisans, and organisations.
- Inclusive Participation: Ensure events are accessible and inclusive for all community members.
- Educational Outreach: Provide information on sustainable practices to attendees.
- Economic Support
- Support Local Economy: Engage local businesses and service providers.
- Sustainable Procurement: Source goods and services that align with sustainability principles.
- Transparency and Accountability
- Monitor Impact: Track and report on sustainability metrics.
- Feedback Mechanism: Gather attendee feedback to improve future events.
Action Plan for Sustainable Events
1. Planning and Coordination
- Venue Selection: Choose venues with green certifications and sustainable practices. For events on the Malvern Hills, adhere to the Malvern Hills Trust’s guidelines and obtain necessary permissions.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with local environmental groups such as Transition Malvern Hills and Malvern Green Space to integrate sustainability into event planning.
- Sustainability Officer: Appoint a dedicated sustainability coordinator to oversee the implementation of sustainable practices.
2. Pre-Event Actions
- Integrate sustainability goals into the event proposals, contracts, and policies.
- Develop a Sustainability Management Plan (SMP) with KPIs and measurable targets (e.g., waste diversion rate, carbon footprint).
- Sustainable Procurement: Source materials and services locally to reduce transportation emissions and support the local economy.
- Waste Management Plan: Implement strategies to minimise waste, including providing recycling bins and encouraging the use of reusable materials.
- Transportation Plan: Promote the use of public transportation, carpooling, and cycling among attendees.
- Community Involvement: and Social Legacy Engage local schools, community groups, and volunteers in event preparation and execution to ensure a longer-term positive social impact for local communities. For more details about training and support, please contact Victoria Carman via email [email protected]
- Marketing and promotions – various channels are available, including via the Visit The Malverns promotions, please contact [email protected] with your event information.
- Grant Support – grant support for large town centre events (criteria applies) is available Malvern Hills District Council, please contact Victoria Carman, the Visitor Economy and Place Manager via email [email protected]. Festival organisers will be asked to complete a form detailing how they intend to reduce their environmental impact and improve community engagement for social legacy.
3. During the Event
- Zero-Waste Stations: Set up clearly marked recycling and composting stations to encourage waste separation.
- Sustainable Catering: Offer plant-based, locally sourced food options and minimise food packaging.
- Energy Efficiency: Use energy-efficient lighting and equipment to reduce energy consumption.
- Water Refill Points: Provide water refill stations to reduce the use of single-use plastic bottles, in line with the Malvern Hills Refill Scheme .
4. Post-Event Actions
- Waste Audit: Conduct a waste audit to assess the effectiveness of waste management strategies.
- Community Feedback: Collect feedback from attendees and stakeholders to identify areas for improvement.
- Reporting: Publish a sustainability report detailing the event’s environmental impact and lessons learned.
Local Resources and Initiatives
- Malvern Hills Trust: Provides guidelines for hosting events on the Hills, ensuring environmental protection and compliance with local byelaws.
- Transition Malvern Hills: A community group focused on sustainability, offering resources and support for local initiatives.
- Malvern Green Space: Aims to establish a Climate Emergency Centre, hosting events and workshops on sustainability topics.
- Destination Zero Plan: A local initiative supporting community-led projects that contribute to carbon reduction and sustainability.
Implementation Timeline
| Phase | Actions | Timeline |
| Planning | Stakeholder meetings, venue selection Community Engagement | 3-6 months prior |
| Pre-Event | Procurement, waste management planning Community Involvement | 1-2 months prior |
| Event Day | Waste stations setup, energy-efficient practices Community Volunteer H&S Provision / Necessary Training | Day of event |
| Post-Event | Waste audit, feedback collection, reporting Community Feedback | 1 week after |
Health and Safety
In addition to sustainable measures requirement to be implements at festivals and events, event organisers need to adhere to event heath and safety, particurlary:
- Security/stewarding
- Food Hygience
- Emergency (Crisis) Management Planning
- Lost Child Policy
- Access to water
- Martyn’s Law
- Public liability Insurance
- Risk assessments – please click here for a risk assessment template
Festival and event organisers need to contact Worcestershire Regulatory Services about a Temporary Event Notice T.EN.
Find out about Emergency Planning for tourism and events here.
For more information about hosting a festival or event in the Malvern Hills district, please contact Victoria Carman, Visitor Economy & Towns Manager at Malvern Hills District Council. [email protected]. Event planning and risk assessment documents are available for large events.
Social Impact and Legacy Policy
The Malverns is committed to creating positive social impact and leaving a lasting legacy within the local community. We aim to ensure our activities, events, and partnerships promote inclusion, wellbeing, sustainability, and opportunities for local people.
Our Commitments
Community Inclusion
We will provide welcoming and accessible opportunities for people of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities to participate in activities and events.
Supporting Local Communities
We will work with local organisations, schools, charities, and businesses to strengthen community connections and support local economic growth whenever possible.
Equality and Diversity
We are committed to promoting fairness, equality, and respect. Discrimination, harassment, or exclusion of any kind will not be tolerated.
Skills and Opportunities
Where possible, we will create volunteering, training, and development opportunities that help individuals build confidence, skills, and community involvement.
Environmental Responsibility
We will encourage environmentally responsible practices by reducing waste, promoting recycling, and supporting sustainable event delivery.
Legacy Goals
The Malverns aims to leave a positive long-term legacy by:
- Encouraging stronger community relationships
- Increasing participation in inclusive activities
- Supporting local wellbeing and social connection
- Creating opportunities for future generations
- Promoting pride in the local area
Monitoring and Review
This policy will be reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective, relevant, and aligned with community needs and organisational values.
For more information about hosting a festival or event in the Malvern Hills district, please contact Victoria Carman, Visitor Economy & Towns Manager at Malvern Hills District Council. [email protected]. Event planning and risk assessment documents are available for large events.
