THE history of Malvern was brought to life in all its vivid and vibrant colours for a heritage festival which won the hearts of locals and visitors alike.

The St George’s Heritage Festival on Saturday was an opportunity to celebrate the town’s past and present while honouring England’s patron saint.

At 10am the Mayor of Malvern, Cynthia Palmer, raised the English flag in the library ground while living history displays in the grounds of the Priory recreated moments from the town’s and the nation's past.

Organised by Malvern Town Council, highlights of the day included the popular parade and the Mayor’s Civic Service at the Priory, entitled ‘Celebrating Malvern’, led by Rev John Barr.

The Priory was full while those who attended were captivated by lively performances from Malvern Rock Choir and Malvern Hills District Brass Band.

Events co-ordinator Dilys Watson said she was delighted by the way the day had gone and it was hailed as the biggest event the council had organised so far.

The pomp and pageantry pulled in the crowds but the festival had a serious side with the parade marking the granting of a significant honour to St John Ambulance – the Freedom of Entry to the Town of Malvern, the first time the honour had been bestowed.

Around 20 representatives, including cadets, from St John Ambulance attended the parade and the service, including district manager Mark Dudfield and area managers Richard Brown for south Worcestershire and Ben Pallante for north Worcestershire.

They were presented with a certificate to mark the honour which they will frame, a year after the the Malvern branch of St John Ambulance celebrated ist centenary.

Mr Dudfield, speaking after the service, said: “It’s a huge honour for us and we’re very proud. It’s the first time the honour has ever been presented in Malvern.”

Old Meg Morris dancers added to the distinctively English flavour while Malvern Museums offered regular and free tours of the Priory Gatehouse and a chance for visitors to learn more about the Malvern Water Cure.

Representatives of the Sealed Knot portrayed Thomas Lord Grey's Regiment of Foote, part of the Parliamentarian army in the English Civil War led by Simon Jones dressed as captain and marking out his rank with a lace collar, a gorget, and a handsome rapier which led some of his men to dub him 'Captain Peacock'.

Ian Hodkinson, also of the Sealed Knot, came dressed as a corporal of musket and was won over by Malvern’s charms.

He said: “It’s the first time we have been and it won’t be the last. It’s a nice town and we have seen really interested people. The children have been enthusiastic, particularly when we were demonstrating the weapons. We have had an excellent reaction and the weather certainly helped. It’s been one of the highlights of the year for me.”

Feudals Living History recreated Malvern’s medieval past with Heather Edwards showing what life was like as a skep maker (a beehive maker) while other women from the group demonstrated embroidery and ‘maille’ (modern chain mail) making

She said: “The crowds have been very interested in what we’ve been doing. They quite like the crafts on display and enjoyed the atmosphere.”

In the library Emilia Leibrandt, aged 11, and brothers Oscar, eight, and Felix, four, made colourful dragon masks as part of craft activities put on by Planet Art, run by sisters Jo de'Burgh and Kate de'Burgh.

Children between the ages of three and 11 took part.