The British Asparagus Festival 2012

When: 23rd April – 21st June 2012

Where: Vale of Evesham

£: Varies, some events are free

What is it?

The Vale of Evesham is renowned for its production of asparagus or “Gras” as it is locally known. The festival held in honour of this vegetable has won various awards including the accolade of being voted the third most eccentric event in England – awarded as part of the Where else but England Awards.

This quirky festival offers the opportunity to taste, buy, cook and learn about one of the nations most sought after delicacies. St Georges Day sees the launch of the Asparagus Festival with the Great British Asparagus Run celebrating all things good and great about England. As part of the celebrations a special form of transport will be carrying a giant round of asparagus from The Fleece Inn, Bretforton, to Stratford Upon Avon, the home of Shakespeare.

Saturday 5th May is the Asparagus Festival Day, an afternoon and evening of asparamadness in the heart of Evesham. Including cookery demonstrations, the King of Asparagus competition, entertainment and Jemima Packington the world-famous Asparamancer; Jemima is said to use asparagus to predict the future.

The World Famous Asparagus Auction in aid of the Bretforton Silver Band takes place on the 27th May at The Fleece Inn. The National Trust hostelry will be filled with asparafun throughout the day including story telling with Gus the Asparagus Man, asparagus floral arrangements and sculptures, local crafts, and an asparagus cake baking competition.

On 16th & 17th June The National Morris weekend sees around 400 dancers compete for the highly prized Evesham Stick. Morris Dancing is a major pastime for local residents and each year they celebrate with a national competition that attracts Morris Dancers from across the United Kingdom. The weekend offers real ale, live music and free entertainment. It takes place on Saturday from 10am to 5pm in villages across the Vale and on Sunday from 10am to 3pm in Evesham Town Centre.

Another highlight of the festival is the Evesham Balloon and Classic Car Fiesta on the 9th and 10th June. The Event not only features hot air ballooning but also live music, a classic car show, fun fair and spectacular Night Glow and Fireworks finale. There are stalls providing local food and drink as well as gifts and souvenirs. The event is free to attend and takes place 11am to 11pm on the Saturday and 11am to 3pm on the Sunday.

More info: www.britishasparagusfestival.org