A festival dedicated to asparagus is holding a unique launch event – on a steam train!
The two month celebration of all things asparagus kicks off on St George’s Day, heralding the arrival of the beloved green spear to the Vale of Evesham in Worcestershire.
The British Asparagus Festival is an annual celebration spanning the traditional Asparagus harvest and celebrating the Vale of Evesham’s most famous produce.
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The festival’s launch on April 23 will see the festivities commence with a gathering of Morgans and other classic cars at the Fleece Inn in Bretforton before leaving for Broadway station.
The Asparagus Express steam train departs Broadway for Cheltenham Racecourse, then makes the return journey in the afternoon.
Over the years, The British Asparagus Festival team has been to Buckingham Palace, Worcester Cathedral, the European Parliament in Brussels, Royal Hospital Chelsea and many more.
For 2024, the asparagus will be donated to the Cheltenham-based charity National Star, where students will turn the vegetable into dishes to be served at the StarBistro.
National Star chief executive Lynette Barrett said: “Preparing young people with disabilities for adulthood is what National Star is all about.
“An important part of that preparation is learning about healthy eating, understanding the importance of local seasonal food and of course how to prepare balanced and tasty meals.
“We are thrilled that the British Asparagus Festival has chosen StarBistro at National Star as the final home for the first hundred-round of Vale Asparagus.
“National Star students will be at the ready to transform the asparagus into delicious soup and then enjoy their efforts.”
Catherine Johnson, from the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway, added: “The GWSR are delighted to be involved in this fantastic event, celebrating the beautiful asparagus our region grows – it is great to be involved in the transportation of this on our fantastic locomotive and supporting National Star is an added bonus.”
