MORRIS dancing, traditional folk music and classic cars were all on the menu for the official launch for this year’s British Asparagus Festival.
The celebration of the famous Gras has earned a reputation for being one of the UK’s most admired and quirkiest festivals and once again welcomed characters such as Gus the Asparagus man, St George, Jemima Packington the Asparamancer and Eve the AsparaFairy.
Dancing, live music and odes to the Vale’s famous crop was among the entertainment on offer at The Fleece in Bretforton alongside a new specially created asparagus gin and an AsparaBike treasure hunt – both of which proved extremely popular.
The Great English Asparagus Run – a celebration of the ‘100’ round of the legendary Gras saw the newly-harvested spears, escorted by a Morgan car and staunch supporter Henry Sandon MBE to the Royal Hospital in London where they were welcomed by asparagus-loving Chelsea Pensioners.
It’s hoped the pensioners will have their own taste of the Vale in years to come as an asparagus crown, donated by Revills Farmshop, was presented to the Gardening Club at the hospital and duly planted.
A host of asparagus related events are planned for the coming weeks, including asparabus Coach tours, the asparagus Colour Run, the famous asparagus auctions and a family fun day at the Fleece.
Many local cafes, pubs and restaurants will be featuring Vale asparagus on their menus.
Visit www.britishasparagusfestival.org for more.
