A BRETFORTON pub is aiming to smash its own world record for the largest gathering of individuals called Nigel, in a bid to revive a name in danger of becoming extinct.
Latest data from the Office for National Statistics shows during 2016 and 2020, no babies were given the name Nigel.
This prompted Nigel Smith, landlord of The Fleece Inn to act in 2019 with the launch of Nigel Night, an event dedicated to individuals by the name of Nigel which attracted 434 name sakes.
Three years on, Nigel is aiming to go one better by attracting more than 1,000 Nigels to The Fleece on September 24 to show the name, which dates back to the Middle Ages, is still going strong.
“We’re already on track to beat our 2019 world record as more than 500 people have booked their place for the evening, which is unbelievable given we haven’t been proactively promoting it for a while, and shows there is plenty of fight in Nigel yet,” he said.
“Our first Nigel Night seems to have left a bit of a legacy though, as since then we have had nearly one thousand Nigels sign ‘the book of Nigel’ which we have behind the bar.
“I’ve researched the name Nigel, and apparently it is associated with darkness, which is perhaps why it is a name which has been on the decline since 1965.
“However, I’m hoping as a result of our joyful efforts we will start to see a few more baby Nigels over the coming years!”
This year’s event also comes with a bit of a twist as they are also on the hunt for Nigels with a particular skillset.
Nigel added: “Just as you thought finding Nigels wasn’t hard enough, I am also looking to recruit a team of Morris dancers called Nigel to perform on the evening, so if you fit the criteria then please get in touch with me.
“Anyone is of course welcome to join in our celebrations – we’ve also had a number of Nigellas attending to strengthen our numbers!”
This year’s Nigel Night will run from 2.30pm until 11.30pm within The Fleece Inn pub, and nearby barn, marquee and orchard.
All Nigels attending will get a Nigel badge and free pint on proof of their name, with non-Nigels also welcome. Funds are also being raised for the British Heart Foundation, with hopes of raising around £3,000.
Visit www.tickettailor.com/events/fleeceinngrasroots/746541 for more.
Morris dancing Nigels can e-mail [email protected]
