MALVERN Fringe Arts has come up with another colourful and diverse programme for the Fringe Elgar Fest-ival during half-term week.

Venues from Malvern Priory to the Coach House Theatre will be hosting events, kicking off on Monday, May 28, with the first of the Fringe lectures, Robin Coates speaking on the Environmental Crisis.

Other lecturers in the series are John White, Chris Poole, John Rarity and Tim Cranmore.

There are arts, crafts and drama activities for children as the week goes on. From Thursday, the Luminara tent in Priory Park will host acoustic sessions with a wide variety of musicians.

On Friday, Moishe's Bagel will play rip-roaring, foot-stomping, jazz-inflected klezmer and Balkan music at the Coach House Theatre.

The festival culminates on Saturday with a packed programme of events, including Sir Edward's Hill Climb Challenge, in which cyclists will be pedalling against the clock up Church Street. There will be drum workshops for all the family, a parade from Malvern Library to Priory Park and a grand Edwardian garden party in the park.

Everyone is encouraged to enter the spirit of the day by wearing Edwardian costume. Temporary moustaches will be available on the day.

Competitions include best natural moustache, best-dressed Edwardian lady and best Elgar lookalike. Participants in Edwardian dress will include the Veteran Cycle Club and the Morgan Three-Wheeler Club, with early models on display.

There will be donkey rides, croquet, Malvern Hills and District Brass Band and much more.

Tea and refreshments of the era will be available. such as cream scones, cucumber sandwiches and homemade ginger beer.

Details are on www. malvernfringe.co.uk or at the Tourist Information Centre. The festival is sponsored by Malvern Hills District Council and Network Technologies.