A literary festival for children will return to Malvern later this year.

The Great Malvern Festival of Stories for Children took place for the first time in October - and has now been given the green light to return.

Taking place from October 24 to 29, 2023, the six day festival will take place across a number of venues throughout Great Malvern, with an extra two days added for local schools.

Last year saw 40 events with more than 20 artists performing, 1,000 tickets sold and over 600 school pupils attending on the school days.

READ MORE: Big names lined up for Malvern Festival of Ideas

Formed by Malvern Hills District Council in partnership with Boffy Arts Events People the festival is a celebration of stories, with professional storytellers, children's authors, illustrators, puppet companies, musicians, and theatre.

The first four days of this year’s programme will be aimed at local schools, followed by a family programme on Saturday and Sunday which also includes both ticketed and free events, open to everyone.

Cllr Daniel Walton, portfolio holder for tourism and economic development at Malvern Hills District Council, said: “We are so pleased this event will be making a return thanks to last year’s success.

“It is a great opportunity for children to be inspired, learn, and demonstrate creativity. It is also good for local businesses with an increase in footfall. We would encourage all families to take part and enjoy what the festival has to offer.”

Want to stay up to date with all the latest news for your local area? It's easy, just sign up for our email newsletters here and all the important stories that matter to you will be delivered straight to your inbox.

Steve Boffy, from Boffy Arts Events People, said: “I was delighted with the success of last year’s festival and the brilliant response it received.

“I am now looking forward to building on that success and hope to develop the festival and see it become a much-loved annual fixture in the local cultural calendar.”

The Malvern Festival of Ideas is also returning to the town this year, with a programme of talks, conversations, interviews and discussions announced for March 3 to 5.

Professor Alice Roberts and poets Michael Rosen and Benjamin Zephaniah are among the big names lined up for the festival.