May Day donkeys on their way - The Malvern Observer

May Day donkeys on their way

Malvern Editorial 1st May, 2014 Updated: 20th Oct, 2016   0

MALVERN will hear the clatter of tiny hooves this weekend as donkeys from all over the three counties and beyond come to take part in the annual May Day Donkey Procession.

Decorated with floral garlands, the donkeys will join adults and children in folk-lore inspired costumes to process round the town, singing traditional May Day songs and visiting the main springs and spouts. The procession will then wind its way up to St Ann’s Well.

The Donkey Procession is held in memory of the hundreds of donkeys who worked in Malvern in its heyday as a spa town.  Donkeys were used to carry visitors and holiday makers up the hills to drink the healing waters, or simply to enjoy the views.

The procession start at the Abbey Gateway at 11am with a blessing of the donkeys and will reach St Ann’s Well at around 12.30pm.




There will then be a break for a special Water Cure Lunch before festivities resume at 2pm with the main Blessing of the Waters ceremony.

Members of the public will be able to float a candle in St Ann’s Well Pool in memory of loved ones and there will also be a blessing of people and pets.


For more information call Rev Val Needham on 07788 111113 or Clare Dolan on 07881 582075.

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