Welcome to the British Asparagus Festival in the Vale of Evesham
Asparagus Festival gets underway
St George, aka Chris Ayliffe, and Eve Asparafairy, John Jenkinson, do battle at the British Asparagus Festival launch.
THE ECCENTRIC British Asparagus Festival had another unique twist up its sleeve when its launch was bathed in glorious spring sunshine.
After weeks of freezing temperatures delayed the growing season by a month, Tuesday's (April 23) opening to the eight-week festival attracted hundreds of smiling faces to the Fleece Inn in Bretforton.
The traditional celebration saw the first 'hundred' round of asparagus tied in a willow twine and transported by a Morgan classic car to Fortnum & Mason in London where it will take centre stage on a menu.
There were also appearances from Gus the Asparagus Man, the world's only Asparamancer, Jemima Packington, and Trevor Harrison, aka Eddie Grundy from The Archers, who is a big supporter of the festival.
Angela Tidmarsh, Wychavon District Council's tourism officer, said the launch was one of the best yet.
"It was a wonderful day and a true celebration of St George's day, local tradition and of course asparagus," she said.
"In my opinion I think it was the happiest launch we’ve ever had. So many smiling faces, young and old all there to celebrate the Vale Asparagus, made all the more special by the wonderful asparagus songs performed by the Bretforton First School and the Vale of Evesham school."
A number of asparagus themed events are set to take place in the coming weeks including Asparabus tours on May 15, 22 and 29, the famous Bretforton Silver Band Asparagus Auction at the Fleece Inn on Sunday, May 26 and the first ever Asparafest on June 1 and 2.
For more information about Asparafest visit our Asparafest web page.
Asum Gras Molly dancers entertained at the launch.
Children from Bretforton First school sung at the launch.
Trevor Harrison, aka The Archers' Eddie Grundy, made his traditional appearance.
Max Chatterton, three, came along with his grandparents.
They’ll be green with envy at our gras cart
AN asparagus-shaped soapbox cart will ensure that Evesham is suitably represented in a legendary race where vehicles are powered by nothing more than gravity and courage.
The team behind the annual British Asparagus Festival, which was launched last week at the Fleece Inn in Bretforton, are building their own entry (right) to take part in the Red Bull Soapbox Race being held on Sunday, July 14, at London’s Alexandra Palace.
The AsparaCart has been chosen as one of just 70 competitors to take on the steep downhill course as part of the event which is being held in the UK for the first time since 2004.
It promises to be the nuttiest road race ever staged on UK soil and comes hot on the wheels of sell-out soapbox races across the globe including in Mumbai and Hong Kong.
Teams are judged on speed, creativity and showmanship, with previous winners including a piano, a pair of dentures and a huge corn on the cob.
The AsparaCart is the brainchild of landlord of The Fleece Nigel Smith and his regulars.
They won over the race organisers with a video which told the tale of Gus the Asparaman who needs a form of transport to win over the girl of his dreams.
Commenting on his cart, Gus said: “People will be green with envy when they see the size of this thing. I’d go as far as to say it will be the talk of the festival.”
The final design will be unveiled at AsparaFest – the Vale of Evesham’s new family festival offering a mix of music, food and farming over the weekend of June 1- 2.
For more information about Asparafest visit our Asparafest web page.
2013 Festival, starting St Georges Day
23rd April until 21st June
The official start of the UK’s eight-week asparagus season launches with the Great British Asparagus Run. It celebrates the first-cut round of asparagus with all the pomp and ceremony you’d expect on Saint George’s Day.
The Run traditionally begins at the National Trust’s only pub - the Vale of Evesham’s Fleece Inn. Following a morning of festivities, the newly-harvested spears are escorted by a fleet of Morgan Cars to destinations such as Parliament and Buckingham Palace.
Following the Run, Worcestershire goes asparagus crazy throughout May and June. Scores of pubs and restaurants serve asparagus-themed menus whilst shops sell an array of asparagus products ranging from sausages, jam, ice cream and even soap.
Visitors to the county can hop on an Asparabus for a tour of the local growers to learn more about the venerated vegetable as well as enjoy cookery demonstrations and tastings.
Bigger and better than ever, 2013 features Asparafest – the horticultural answer to The Big Chill combining great music, food, drink and fun within a festival setting.
The celebrations culminate at the end of May over the Bank Holiday weekend with the Bretforton Silver Band Asparagus Auction.
The celebrations have been recognised as one of the UK’s most eccentric with appearances by Gus the Asparagus Man, fortune telling by asparamancer Jemima Packington and the crowning of the King of Asparagus.
Key dates:
Tuesday 23 April
Great English Asparagus Run
Tuesday 14 May
Asparagus Night Cookery Demonstration
Wednesday 15, 22 & 29 May
Asparabus Coach Tours
Thursday 16 May
Asparagus Evening at The Lygon Arms
Sunday 26 May
Bretforton Silver Band Asparagus Auction
Monday 27 May
Asparagus Festival Family Fun Day
Saturday 1 – Sunday 2 June
AsparaFest
Saturday 22 – Sunday 23 June
Evesham National Morris Weekend
Download the festival programme summary
Also at the Asparagus Festival launch, the fifth edition of the Vale of Evesham Local Food Directory will be launched. It lists over a hundred local establishments where local food and food products can be obtained. Wendy Sharpe of Simply Seasonal, who make jams and chutneys, says in her Foreword, What all of our suppliers have in common both with us and with other local producers, is a passion about what they do or grow, and a desire to encourage consumers to really look at what is on offer in this area .
The Directory is produced by Transition Evesham Vale (TEV) and its Chair, David Haslam, who is one of the editors, said 'Our special feature this year is those eating places which source 30% of their produce from within 30 miles of Evesham. TEV says 'Support the 30:30 Club!'
More information regarding this year's festival will be posted here. Check back soon!
Asparamancer's Tasty Tips - predictions for 2013
 Jemima Packington, the world famous Asparamancer has once again made her predictions for 2013 with the help of Worcestershire asparagus.
“Sometimes what comes to you can seem incredibly off the wall,” said Miss Packington. “Yet sometimes you are certain. It is a bit grim for 2013. I can’t remember how many were correct last year but it was around six out of the 10.”
This year's predictions are:
1. The EU monetary system will still be problematic. Greece will leave and Spain and Portugal will consider leaving too.
2. Germany will suffer unexpected problems. Angela Merkel will be challenged.
3. A high-profile couple will announce they are splitting up – much to the shock of everyone.
4. There will be a significant tsunami in the Far East.
5. Several international political leaders will get unexpected shocking defeats.
6. British weather will be a major cause for concern throughout the year with huge extremes.
7. GB's Olympic success will form the basis of a good year for sport.
8. A Royal romance will lead to wedding bells.
9. America will weather its current financial storm.
10. The asparagus crop will fare better this year.
The festival, which takes place each year on St George’s Day, is part of a two month-long celebration of the King of Vegetables. The event is vitally important to tourism in the region and brings together a host of businesses in and around the Vale of Evesham.
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