British Asparagus Festival
Asparagus Season is here!
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!
2025 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: Wed 23rd April
The traditional start of the Gras harvest, starting two months of British Asparagus Festival celebrations. Join us at 9am for aspara-antics, with morris dancers, classic cars, Gus the Asparagus Man and St George himself before we take the first hundred of gras on a momentous journey to the Japanese Embassy in London, celebrating the recent Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status granted to Evesham Asparagus in Japan.
The hundred will depart from the Fleece around 10.15am.
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Over the years we’ve been to Buckingham Palace, Worcester Cathedral, the European Parliament in Brussels, Royal Hospital Chelsea and many more.
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Later in the evening, local Northwest morris side Belle d’Vain dance out at the Fleece to celebrate St George’s Day, with invited guests.
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The Asparagus Express: Sun 4th May
All Aboard the Asparagus Express!
Join us for a very special journey aboard the Asparagus Express, steaming through the glorious Cotswolds in celebration of the renowned Vale of Evesham asparagus season (23rd April – 21st June).
Following the wonderful success of last year’s event, we’re thrilled to be hosting another Asparagus Express. This time, it’s happening on Sunday 4th May. (Yes, you heard right... May the Fourth be with you!)
Our heritage steam train departs from Broadway Station at 12.15pm, bound for Cheltenham Race Course, with a few deliciously quirky surprises on board! Expect appearances from festival favourites including the Asparamancer and the beloved Gus the Asparagus Man - perfect for photo opportunities and a good bit of fun.
Keep an eye out for fresh, locally grown Vale of Evesham asparagus available to purchase on board too.
A celebration of spring, steam, and spears – not to be missed!
Book train tickets at the GWSR website
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​Bretforton Silver Band Asparagus Auction – Sun 25 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 1 June
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 with the Vale of Evesham National Morris Festival on Midsummers Day.
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