T h e T w e r z e l s P e r f o r m i n g L i v e
toHiA r Bla l o o n Night Glow F r i d a y 1 0 J u l y t h S a t u r d a y 1 1 t h J u l y A B B A S t a r s
* B a r * F o o d * L i v e M u s i c F R E E E n t r y @ D o w n o n t h e F a r m G a t e s o p e n f r o m 5 p m
Congratulations to Valerie Jones who was the winner of David Jarvis’s latest novel in our Jan the Dutchman competition. Enjoy !
A big thank you too, to local Danielle Bell who captured the awesome picture of a butterfly. If you would like to see an image you captured on the cover, please email renee@malmesburyconnections. co.uk
As summer 2026 gets underway, we have an issue packed full of events to look forward to. From the well known Carnival to Malmesbury in Bloom, a mid summer festival in aid of Ukraine, Scarecrow Festival, Live Arts gigs, Minety Music Festival’s own wedding, and much more to be found dotted amongst these pages.
Between the fun and excitement, it is time to dust off the garden furniture if you haven’t already, and make the most of the days we are blessed with sunshine!
Renee Tuck Editor
● Native and Ornamental trees
● Fruit Trees and shrubs
● Hedging
● Herbaceous perennials
● Wildflowers
● Bare root and root ball
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In February 2022, a small group gathered for a silent vigil in Malmesbury’s Market Cross, at the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. They didn’t know each other but were united in wanting to show solidarity with the people of Ukraine.
Four years on, Malmesbury Stands with Ukraine volunteer support group continues to raise awareness and funds to support the general hospital in Cherkasy, Ukraine. In 2024, the Town’s Mayor and the Mayor of Cherkasy signed a formal friendship agreement, both towns pledging to support each other and build connections. Malmesbury Stands with Ukraine is also a formal partner with Malmesbury & District Twinning Association.
The group is hoping the town will turnout for Ivana Kupala, a traditional midsummer festival event, celebrating the Ukrainian summer solstice, from 6pm to 9pm on Friday 26 June 2026, forming part of Malmesbury’s inaugural Rivers Festival. Ivana Kupala has its roots in fertility and harvest. Guests make flower crowns and celebrate with music, dancing and food – it’s a tranquil, uplifting evening set in the stunning Cloister Gardens behind Malmesbury Abbey.
Entrance is free, with a licensed bar and raffle available. Bring your own picnic, blanket and flowers if you would like to make a flower crown (if you don’t have flowers from the garden, there is usually plenty of greenery available).
All proceeds from the bar and raffle will go towards the group’s latest appeal Operation Ambulance to buy, kit out and drive a secondhand ambulance to the General Hospital in Cherkasy.
Malmesbury Town Council has a dedicated account for BACS donations, and the Town Hall is also accepting cash donations at the Tourist Information Centre desk.
Operation Ambulance Appeal (please use ref UkrainAmb), Lloyds Bank, Sort Code: 30-9199, Account: 38784360
The group wishes to express a sincere ‘thank you Malmesbury’ for your solid support over the last four years and hopes that in the not-too-distant future, Ukrainians can welcome us to a victorious and free Ukraine.
With news of Malmesbury being awarded ‘Sunday Times Best Place to Live in the South West 2026’, plans for an equally fantastic Malmesbury Carnival are well underway, starting with a new, family-friendly, Midsummer Garden Festival on 20 June at Abbey House Manor.
During August, there will be all the usual carnival favourites of course, Open Gardens, Silent Disco, Petticoat Lane, Jazz, Wine Tasting, Quizzes, Theatre, Talks, Workshops, the iconic Scarecrow Trail, Fun Fair and so much more – leading up to the spectacular Carnival Procession on 5 September.
As excitement builds, organisers are inviting sponsors and volunteers to be part of this muchloved community event. Sponsors benefit from wide-reaching local promotion, including being featured in the Carnival ‘What’s On’ guide delivered to over 10,000 households. Volunteers are warmly welcomed and can contribute as much or as little time as they wish across a variety of roles.
Tickets for the Midsummer Garden Festival are available at www.malmesburycarnival.co.uk. Entry is £10 for a day pass from 12 to 8pm, with live music, theatre and bar & BBQ available. Under-13s are free.
To support with sponsorship or volunteering, please contact info@malmesburycarnival.co.uk
Malmesbury CARNIVAL is By the community for the community’
Rock ‘n’ roll is peppered with sibling rivalries. Liam and Noel… Ray and Dave… er… Alvin, Simon and Theodore… 6th June, at Malmesbury Town Hall is a unique opportunity to witness two warring brothers at work. Both lead different bands, both are embroiled in a bitter family feud (that we cannot mention due to threat of litigation) and yet… AND YET… somehow they come together to bring us one of the best nights of music of the year.
Ah… such is the healing power of music.
For on this night, we give praise unto the Mighty Soul Destroyers (feat. the Rev. Phil Harmonic). They are bringing their transcendent show back on home to the ‘Bury in a spectacular double A-side with Arkansaw Jukebox Collective. (And the similarity between the brothers is uncanny, we tell you!)
Two of the best party bands on the UK festival scene can only mean one of the best party nights of Malmesbury’s year. And there might well be some brotherly fireworks too, though weirdly, you never see them on stage at the same time. When soul meets bluegrass, party spectaculars ensue. And this is a fact!
For tickets, saunter on over to https://malmesbury-live-arts.org.uk/fundraiser
