THE 30th anniversary Autumn in Malvern Festival is proving to be a great success, says its founder and artistic director Peter Smith.

The festival, which started in the middle of September, is now half way through, with several events being sell-outs.

One of them was the talk by Elgar scholar Dr Jerrold Northrop Moore on Elgar, as were the events at St Leonard’s, the church of the Beauchamp Community, including Restored to Glory, about the restoration of the frescos in this Grade 1 listed building, and Summoned by Bells, about the poet's involvement with the building.

Steve Cockayne’s illustrated talk on the Lanchester Marionettes in Malvern was also sold out.

There have been other near-capacity audiences at the talks on Peter Mark Roget at St James’s, West Malvern, and the talk on Artist Couples of Newlyn and Lamorna, which included Dame Laura and Harold Knight with their strong Malvern connection.

The recital by the distinguished Russian pianist, Sofya Gulyak, at Elmslie House, has also sold all tickets.

Tickets for the European Union Chamber Orchestra with Toby White as cello soloist, and the Aldwyn Voices concerts are still available, but it is advisable to book in advance through Malvern Theatres Box Office, to avoid disappointment.

The exhibitions are also proving very popular, particularly Kevin Austin’s paintings of Liverpool in Malvern Library, complemented by Carly Tinkler and Jem Waygood’s exhibition, Colour in Landscape.

And Malvern Priory is hosting Brian Iles's exhibition A present from Malvern, with numerous Victorian and Edwardian souvenirs.

Sue Wilkie's original prints showing the plight of the homeless are also on show in the Priory.

Elmslie House, The Original Artwork Store and Stitch 45 are all collaborating with the festival, with all exhibitions running until the end of October.

Tomorrow (Saturday) Kate and Jo De Burgh present a new commission, The Great Glass Wall, an opportunity to share an enjoyable experience through a live interactive drawing event, making a mark on their specially created wall of re-purposed glass panels, and suitable for all ages on Belle Vue Island, with the arts, crafts and food market nearby.

Free drawing tuition is available at the Theatre of Small Convenience on Saturday, October 26, from 10am to 12.30pm.