The British Asparagus Festival
History
The Vale of Evesham is renowned for its production of this most
luxurious vegetable – asparagus or “Gras” as it is more locally
known. According to tradition – vale season starts on St Georges
Day and ends of Midsummers Day because local growers would “never
cut beyond the midsummer bud”.
The British Asparagus Festival in the Vale of
Evesham takes place between 23rd April and
21st June each year., immortalising the best asparagus
(properly) in the world. Capturing public and media attention the
2010 festival featured in the news, appearing on BBC’s Countryfile,
BBC News, Midlands Today, ITV Central and in most major newspapers.
It also won the accolade of fourth most eccentric events in England
by the where else but England Awards.
 |
 |
Numerous events take place throughout the
Vale, many of which will be attended by “Gus” the Asparagus Man.
Take the opportunity to taste, buy, cook and learn about one of the
nations most sought after vegetables. Numerous pubs and restaurants
offer extensive asparagus lunch and dinner menus to tempt the
palates of locals and visitors Many Hotels, Farmstay guest houses
and accommodation providerswill even be offering asparagus of their
breakfast menus or buy it straight from the farm shops and cook it
any way you like.
|
New for 2011............
with St Georges Day being on a Saturday this year the launch
promises to be a bigger and better event than ever, with markets
and entertainment throughout the town. Accommodation providers
will be offering ‘Asparabreaks’ sometimes in conjunction with
Asparabus Tours, operated by Dudleys Coaches
it
comes complete with an Asparaguide these
will take place on 11th, 18th and 25th May 2011 providing a unique
“Asparagus Experience”. These popular days out provide a value for
money day out. please contact Dudleys Coaches on 01386 792206 to
reserve your place as booking is essential.
Local entrepreneurs have produced mouth
watering “goodies” using local asparagus. This includes ice cream
jams, chutneys and biscuits sausages and Asparagus soap.
There are also some more products such a biscuits, cheese quiche in
the pipeline so watch out! Why not visit the website to find out
all of the up to date news and events?
|
Starting with “The Great Asparagus Run” on St
Georges Day the 23rd April throughout Evesham
town centre Celebrating not only St. George's Day but also the
start of the infamous and increasingly popular British Asparagus
Festival in the Vale of Evesham. A “100” round of the finest Vale
asparagus will go on its journey as the town becomes a hive of
activity with markets, entertainment something for everyone to
enjoy a great day out!
All this will festivity will culminate in events at The Fleece
In,
Bretforton over the May Bank Holiday weekend. The World Famous
Asparagus Auction on the 29th which saw Adam Henson auctioning off
his very own round for BBCs Country file.
This is followed by the fun filled Festival Day on the
30th.
If you fancy growing your own, many local
garden centres and nurseries sell asparagus crowns so you can take
home a taste of the Vale and savour it for years to come.
|
 |
If your taste buds will not wait until mid April to start sampling
Vale Asparagus then you should pay a visit to the namy nursaries
and farmshops in the Vale of Evesham. Some have the reputation
of producing some of the earliest asparagus from early March. This
is because it is grown under glass.
Revills Farm Shop in
Defford grow the less famous purple variety that is mostly eaten
raw and in salads. Not only can you eat it in their licensed tea
room but you can also see it growing and buy some to try at home.
Being respected by chefs as producing some of
the best in the world no wonder so much of the Vales
‘Gras’ is found on UK supermarket shelves. Make sure you
don’t miss out on what is to offer this year.
