Newent Onion Fayre

The Newent Onion Fayre is back - including the world famous onion eating spectacular.

Describing itself as Gloucestershire’s largest one-day festival, Newent Onion Fayre is back on Saturday 14 September 2013 to the delight of onion eaters all over.

As the world’s only event of its kind dedicated to the onion family, visitors have enjoyed fun-filled fayres of live music, entertainment, street stalls and shows for centuries, and this year is expected to surpass all others.

While the fayre’s history can be traced back a staggering 800 years to the 13th century, the annual event as we know it today was revived in 1996 and has since proven a real highlight on the Gloucestershire calendar – attracting around 15,000 visitors from the south west and beyond.

The onion eating competition has long been the climax of the fayre, seeing brave contestants chomp their way through a five- and seven-ounce onion for women and men respectively, with the quickest being awarded a trophy and the accolade of champion onion eater that that year. This year’s competition is set to begin at 1pm.

Meanwhile, green-fingered families are expected to head over to the Memorial Hall at 10.30am, to marvel at the wares of expert onion, leek, chive and garlic exhibitors, who will be entering their efforts in a bid to win one of the trophies and cash prizes on offer.

2012 saw visitors test their culinary skills in three onion-themed cookery classes – with more planned for 2013 – as well show off their artistic talents by carving animals out of a variety of vegetables.

The food festival, situated in Budgens car park, always features an abundance of locally-produced food and drink, while the town centre is brought to life with a whole host of family-friendly entertainment, including big rides, fun stalls, live music and much more.

Nowhere in Newent escapes the fun and festivities of the onion fayre; expect to find farm animals, fishing, model boats and a dog show by the lake in the park throughout the day too.

Whether or not you’re an allium fan, don’t miss what promises to be an unforgettable event in the Forest of Dean town for another year running.

© SoGlos

Thursday 25 April 2013