The BBC’s Henry Sandon at last year’s Festival

From the end of April to the end of June this year, the ‘traditional’ growing period for asparagus, the Vale of Evesham in Worcestershire will be the setting for the British Asparagus Festival.

Following its opening by Henry Sandon of the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow, the two month-long Festival will feature a surprisingly broad range of asparagus themed events. Day one sees performances by the Avonbank Brass Band and local morris dancers whilst the Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire, Michael Brinton, departs for London to offer a dish of asparagus to Parliament.

Over the following month, groups can also attend an ‘Asparagus Supper and St George’s Day Concert’ in Evesham town centre, take cooking classes at local pubs and bid for bundles of the herbaceous perennial at the Fleece Inn Asparagus Auctions in the nearby village of Bretforton.

The British Asparagus Festival 2008 will run from 23rd April to 21st June at various locations in Evesham. Group discounts are available for events where there is a charge. For more information telephone 01386 565373