THREE days of intense angling alongside the River Avon over the bank holiday weekend brought thousands of people to the Vale for one of the sport’s most prestigious coarse fishing competitions.
Thousands of pounds of prize money was up for grabs as 235 anglers from across the country competed through qualifying matches at the 46th Evesham Angling Festival.
Hampton Ferry, Crown and Corporation Meadows played host to the event on August 23 to 25 which also featured a dog show, car show, funfair, beer tent, food stalls, live entertainment, craft and trade stands.
Despite the water in the river being exceptionally low due to the dry spring and summer there was plenty of fish to be had and significant silverware to be won.
Among the trophies handed out by the mayor and mayoress of Evesham, Councillors John Clatworthy and Marion Griffiths was £2,500 to Darren Scott, the winner of the Wychavon Championship and £3,000 to Wayne Swinscoe who won the Evesham Championship.
Cadence Superteam who picked up the winning prize of £5,000 for the team championship and 18-year-old Harry Franklin from Kent (team Sonubaits Delcac) was deemed overall match winner.
Organiser Robert Raphael, said: “The atmosphere was incredible, of course the weather helped, but everyone was so pleased to see this iconic festival revived by local event managers Bluebell Events.
“This year saw a marked increase in the attractions and entertainment for children and non-anglers alike which we hope will secure its success going forwards.
“We believe it’s the world’s longest running river angling festival and are grateful to everyone who came and supported it including our sponsors Cadence and Octbox.”
Full results can be found on the Hampton Ferry website here.
