Malvern Water and Well Dressing Festival 2-10 May 2026
Every year, communities in Malvern come together to dress up to 60 wells, springs and spouts from across the hills and town of Malvern. Over 800 people take part in this creative endeavour celebrating Malvern spring water.
This year, the theme of the festival is ‘Birds’, and Malvern Welcomes has collaborated with the Welcome Hub to celebrate birds of the world representing the home countries of refugees who have resettled in the Malvern area, alongside bird species native to Britain. The birds have been made by volunteers and resettled individuals using natural materials of wood and clay.
We are most grateful for the help we have received from local craftspeople, who have given most generously of their time, materials and enthusiasm for the project. Particular thanks to Gabriel Pfeiffer (Woodend Toymakers) and Darren Nailer (artist), both based at ‘Out to Grass’ (Woodend Farm, Bromyard Road), and also to Mariana Ulukaya (Art & Chat Club, Welcome Hub) for her creative inspiration, and for her artistry in making our poster and supervising creative workshops at the Welcome Hub.
We would also like to thank Malvern Hills District Council and Platform Housing for their support.
Thank you for visiting our display at the Wyche Spring Well – we hope you enjoy looking at the birds, and hearing their song
Please also take time to wander our website and find out more about the work of Malvern Welcomes.
More information about Mariana’s Art and Chat club can be found here.
Bird song
Below are links to the sounds of some of the bird species depicted within the Wyche Spring Well dressing.
Ukraine
The white stork is the national bird of Ukraine and a symbol of peace. A rhythmic clattering of their bills is used to greet, bond and mark territory. Listen to it HERE
Palestine
The Palestine sunbird is found in the Middle East and sub-Saharan Africa. It is the national bird of Palestine and symbolises hope and freedom. Listen to one of its calls HERE
Syria
The northern bald ibis is the national bird of Syria and has religious significance. It is a waterbird adapted to forage in dry, open habitats. Listen to its call HERE
Kurdistan
A memorable bird for one of the refugee community from Kurdistan is the colourful European goldfinch, with its bright red face, yellow wing patch and delightful twittering call. Listen to its call HERE
UK
The robin is considered Britain’s unofficial national bird. Although associated with Christmas, it is resident all year, with a boost in winter numbers as migrants arrive. Listen to its distinctive song HERE
Afghanistan
The dove is considered a symbol of peace across much of the world, including Afghanistan. You can listen to the call of one of the dove species found in Afghanistan, the laughing dove, HERE
