Asparagus season has arrived with six weeks of festivities yet to come.
The Fleece Inn in Bretforton once again played host to National Asparagus Day with guests treated to live music, dancing and, of course, plenty of spears.
Wychavon tourism officer Angela Taylor wasn’t able to attend on Saturday due to Covid, but believes the day is the perfect way to launch the British Asparagus Festival.
She said: “It was a wonderful start to the Asparagus season and really raises awareness of the prestigious Vale Asparagus not only locally but nationally as well.
“We are so proud that the Vale Gras is one very few protected foods in the UK and many farm shops are now selling it and pubs and restaurants throughout the County are including it in their menus for the forthcoming season.”
The Vale Asparagus Festival first launched in 2006, by-and-large the result of The British Asparagus Growers Association’s marketing efforts.
It really took off in 2007 when many national media organisations began labelling it ‘The British Asparagus Festival'.
The Fleece Inn, recently named County Pub of the Year by the CAMRA Shakespeare (Worcestershire) branch, got 2022’s celebrations started on Saturday, April 23.
Pebworth, Belle D’Vain and Bowbrook Morris groups delighted the crowds throughout the day with music provided by the Lockdown Layabouts, all tying in with the launch of the restaurant’s new asparagus menu.
There was also a procession of Morgan cars and a few colourful characters, including Gus the asparagus man, the AsparaFairy, and St George himself.
Landlord Nigel Smith said: "The day was a great success with a wonderful carnival atmosphere.
"Morris men mingled with Morgans, men of asparagus, and maybe the occasional AsparaFairy.
"Live music drifted through the garden with the sun shining and the drinks flowing."
The fun doesn’t stop there, with several more events planned between now and the end of the festival, June 21.
On Saturday, May 7, there will be an asparagus eating festival at the Evesham Food Festival on Crown Meadow.
Later in the month, on Sunday 29, the Asparagus Auction will make its long-awaited return after two years spent online.
The Fleece Inn courtyard will welcome the Bretforton Silver Band as guests bid for the largest, freshest, and greenest produce which will be sold off by local auctioneer, Colin Jelfs.
Then on June 5, St Leonard’s Church in Bretforton will hold its own asparagus auction.
There are also plans to reschedule the Asparagus Run, which had originally been planned for Saturday.
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