Malvern makes the most of Christmas despite Storm Bert

Malvern's Christmas lights were lit up today (November 23) albeit with a smaller crowd and a few last-minute alterations. 

Unlike in Worcester, where the event was cancelled, Malvern Town Council decided to continue the event but to move the majority of the activities indoors. 

Instead of being outside, stalls and activities were moved into Malvern Library and Coach House Theatre.

Traders admitted that footfall had been the lowest they had ever seen but agreed that the magic of Christmas could not be ruined even if the Met Office had predicted gale-force winds. 

Josh Fancourt, owner of Grem Creative (Image: Daniel Kelly)

Heather Cambridge, owner of Choccotastic, who had a stall as part of the event's mini market at Coach House Theatre, said: "It has gone by quicker than usual. 

"We are quite lucky because at least we are inside, if we were outside I think some of the stalls might have been blown away. 

"We have had some people come in but not as many as normal, they have been supportive which is great for businesses like the ones here. 

"I think we are all looking forward to the lights being turned on later today, it's always so magical. 

"I've been at this event for the last three years in a row and this has definitely been the slowest but I guess that's probably down to the find."

Heather Cambridge, owner of Choccotastic (Image: Daniel Kelly)

A parade took place outside Iceland at 5.15pm and the town's Christmas lights were turned on at 5.30pm from Belle Vue Island. 

Dan Lovering, who was visiting the activities at Malvern Library with his family, said: "We haven't been here long but from what I can see it looks ok. 

"We live in Malvern and family has come over for the day from Ledbury and we were looking for something to do that's indoors. 

"It's obviously not the best day to switch the town's lights on but you have got to make the best of it. 

"I'm not sure if we will be sticking around for the light switch-on because the weather is supposed to be getting worse but it is important that town's do put their lights on at Christmas especially for the little ones."