AN inaugural arts festival in West Malvern was described as “a wonderful occasion in a beautiful setting” by its organiser.

Several spots around the village were transformed into art galleries during the three-day event, which started on Friday, August 20.

The event was run in aid of the Malvern Hills Community Foundation. Chairman Laurie Gregory said: “It was very successful indeed. We had a lot of very positive feedback from people within the village and visitors as well.The festival’s design came from France where you have a mixture of venues in a closely grouped area.”

The Brewers’ Arms, in Lower Dingle, was just one of those venues which gave over space to contributing artists. Landlady Sue Adamson said: “With the weather picking up on Sunday it was really busy. The garden was absolutely packed. Here there were six artists, with three of them painters and the other photographers so there was a good range of things to see.”

Other artists showing, and selling, their work specialised in potteries, calligraphy, weaving and silver jewellery.

Mr Gregory said many of the artists had expressed an interest in taking part in the event next year.

“It’s been a brilliant experience for us as a community,” he added.