British Asparagus Festival
Asparagus Season Menu served
April-June
Originating from the fundraising Asparagus Auction started by the Bretforton Silver Band to raise money for instruments the festival has grown and grown over the years. The six week long celebration of the vegetable in the Vale kicking off on St Georges Day in April now has world wide media coverage!
With its roots in farming the small market town of Evesham is proud to be one of the biggest and most well known producers of the spear headed vegetable in the country, a fact that has been recognised with the awarding of PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) status.
With a passion for all things local and traditionally English, of course The Fleece Inn celebrates the season of the green gras!
Look out for Asparabus tours throughout the season that take in the Fleece, as well as growers and farm shops.
Why not stay for an Aspara-break in our B&B, and don’t miss our Asparagus menu (we even have Asparagus liquors, for the very daring…)
As seen on BBC Midlands Today, Countryfile, Terry & Mason’s Great Food Trio & House in the Country!
2024 Aspara-Events
April & May:
Vale of Evesham gras is available from the pub or Bretforton Community Shop.
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British Asparagus Festival Launch: Tues 23rd April
The traditional start of the Gras harvest, starting two months of British Asparagus Festival celebrations. Join us for aspara-antics, music and morris, Gus the Asparagus Man and St George himself before with take the hundred on a special trip.
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The Asparagus Express: Tues 23rd April
All aboard the Asparagus Express! The Asparagus Express Steam Train departs at 11.35am to Cheltenham Racecourse, returning 1255 (arriving Broadway 1356). Join Gus the Asparagus Man, St George and others as we transport the first 100-round of Vale Asparagus in iconic style through the beautiful Cotswold countryside. Over the years we’ve been to Buckingham Palace, Worcester Cathedral, the European Parliament in Brussels, Royal Hospital Chelsea, and this year we’re heading to Cheltenham before donating the hundred to National Star Charity in Cheltenham, where our prized asparagus will be whipped into delicious dishes to be served at the StarBistro, showcasing the very best of English seasonal & local fare.
Tickets are onsale now, with a 5% discount if tickets purchased online in advance via the GWSR site. Tickets are for the Broadway to Cheltenham (return) steam train ride only. Gus and St George will parade the asparagus through the train for photo opportunities.
Later in the day, local Northwest side Belle d’Vain dance out at the Fleece to celebrate St George’s Day, with invited guests.
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Bretforton Silver Band Asparagus Auction – Sun 26 May
After two years online – The famous Asparagus Auction is back! Hundreds gather in the courtyard of the pub to enjoy Bretforton Silver Band and bid for the seasons largest, freshest and greenest Asparagus. All the produce is donated by local growers and Auctioned off by local man Colin Jelfs. Thousands of pounds have been raised for the Bretforton Silver band instruments and we’ve been on Countryfile with Adam Henson, Escape to The Country and local and national news!
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St Leonards Church Asparagus Auction – Sun 2 June
A more low-key event compared to the Band Auction, the Church auction follows an open-air service in The Cross.
