British Asparagus Festival
Asparagus Season back April-June 2026
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!
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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!
2026 Aspara-Events
Mid April & May:
Vale of Evesham gras is available from the pub or Bretforton Community Shop.
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British Asparagus Festival Launch: Thu 23rd April
The British Asparagus Festival returns with its much-loved traditional launch on Thursday 23rd April, marking the start of the gras harvest and two months of celebrations dedicated to this iconic local delicacy.
Join us for a lively morning at The Fleece Inn, filled with aspara-antics – featuring live music, Morris dancers, classic cars, Gus the Asparagus Man and even St George himself. The highlight of the morning sees a cavalcade of Morgans and other classic cars depart at around 10am, taking the first 100 round of gras on a special journey.
Each year, the festival’s opening day adventure takes the Hundred to a notable destination. In 2025, the gras travelled to the Japanese Embassy in London, celebrating Evesham Asparagus gaining Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status in Japan. Previous destinations have included Buckingham Palace, Worcester Cathedral, the European Parliament in Brussels and the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
This year, the journey leads to Croome, the National Trust’s stunning Worcestershire estate. Here, we’ll celebrate success in the Visit Worcestershire Awards, visit asparagus growing in the Walled Garden and champion local, seasonal food.
Classic cars are warmly invited to gather at The Fleece and join the convoy to Croome. Alternatively, enthusiasts are welcome to meet us directly at Croome around 11am.Visit Croome (prices & timings) - find out more here.
Later that evening (7.15pm), celebrations continue back at The Fleece Inn as local North West Morris side Belle d’Vain dance out to mark St George’s Day, joined by guests Alvechurch.
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The Asparagus Express: Sat 18 April
All Aboard the Asparagus Express!
Hop on board for a wonderfully quirky, family-friendly adventure through the Cotswolds this spring!
Join us on Saturday 18th April as the much-loved Asparagus Express steams from Broadway to Cheltenham Racecourse (12:50pm departure), celebrating the start of the famous Vale of Evesham asparagus season.
A celebration of spring, steam and spear, including appearances from the legendary Gus the Asparagus Man, brilliant photo opportunities, fresh, locally grown asparagus available to buy on board and tasty seasonal treats from our onboard catering
Perfect for families, food lovers, and anyone who enjoys a bit of countryside charm.
Travel included with a standard Day Rover ticket
Don’t miss this delightfully daft and delicious day out!
Book train tickets at the GWSR website
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​Bretforton Silver Band Asparagus Auction – Sun 24 May
The infamous Asparagus Auction!
Hundreds gather in the courtyard of the pub to enjoy a concert by Bretforton Silver Band and bid for the seasons largest, freshest and greenest Asparagus. All the produce is donated by local growers and auctioned to raise funds for the local Band instruments.
Thousands of pounds have been raised in the past and we’ve been on Countryfile with Adam Henson, Escape to The Country and both local and national news!
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St Leonards Church Asparagus Auction – Sun 31 May
A more low-key event compared to the Band Auction, the Church auction follows an open-air service in The Cross.
Also on 1st June - Bretforton Open Gardens, and free music in the orchard from The Jake Leg Jug Band (from 2pm)
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Look out for more Asparagus events throughout the Vale, ending at Midsummer with the Vale of Evesham National Morris Festival on Father's Day weekend.
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