DESPITE the bitter weather, residents turned out in force for Evesham’s first Vegan Fair.

About 500 people turned out to the event in Evesham Town Hall on Saturday, March 23, to try some free food samples and browse stalls.

Organised by Midlands Vegan Campaigns, there were healthy living guides, nutritional advice, cookery demonstrations and talks on nutrition and going vegan.

Group founder Kevin White said he was really pleased with the turnout.

“It was fantastic,” he said.

“We know a whole lot of people couldn’t come but still it was so successful we were absolutely delighted. For 500 people to attend a vegan fair in Evesham is really good.”

Mr White said he thought in the wake of the horsemeat scandal, people were turning away from their normal diets.

“More and more people are considering changing their diets and lifestyles as a result of finding out the meat and dairy is not all that it seems,” he said.

“I think people have learnt meat contains other things they don’t want to eat.”