THE VALE of Evesham has a bumper crop of activities for visitors over the coming few weeks from a chance to see the glorious fruit tree blossom to asparagus themed fun, music and dancing.

The Blossom Trail is now in full swing offering walkers, cyclists and motorists the chance to explore the beautiful Vale of Evesham countryside and see the different blossoms ranging from the delicate whites of the pear and plum to the pinks of the apple and cherry.

The blossom trail usually runs from mid March to mid May depending upon the weather and plum and apple are the most commonly seen from the road. The white plum and damson blossom are the first to spring in this natural work of art, with the white pear and the pink apple blossom following later.

Wychavon District Council Tourism Officer Angela Tidmarsh said the apple blossom is just starting to bloom and there is still plenty of blossom for visitors to enjoy in the Vale of Evesham.

There is a 40-mile AA signed route which takes in Pershore, Evesham and Broadway as well as some of the smaller villages such as the Lenches, Fladbury, Harvington, Twyford, Wickhamford and Norton. Perfect for a leisurely country drive.

There are also three Blossom Walks including a three-mile route, a four and a half mile route and a six mile route. Cycle routes are also available and are marked with blue signs.

Details about all the blossom routes can be obtained by calling 01386 565373 or downloading a leaflet from http://www.wychavon.gov.uk/documents/10586/157693/TM%20-%20Blossom%20Trail%202014.pdf

The British Asparagus Festival continues with the Asparagus Auctions at the Fleece Inn, Bretforton, on Sunday May 29 and Sunday June 5 starting at 7pm.

Hundreds of people gather in the courtyard of the pub to bid for the season’s largest, freshest and greenest asparagus. All the produce is donated by local growers and auctioned. In past years thousands of pounds have been raised for the Bretforton Silver band instruments and this event has been on many food and farming TV programmes as well as the national news.

There is the Asparagus Family Fun Day on Bank Holiday Monday May 30 at the Fleece Inn. The day will see plenty of morris dancing, music and other activities to entertain the whole family. The Fleece will be offering its special asparagus menu for those lovers of the delicate tasting vegetable.

Dudley’s coaches are also offering Asparabus tours today Wednesday May 11 and next Wednesday May 18. To find out more visit http://www.britishasparagusfestival.org/asparabus-tours/ or ring Dudley’s Coaches on 01386 792206, e-mail info@dudleys-coaches.co.uk or visit www.dudleys-coaches.co.uk

The annual Asparafest two-day festival at Ashdown Farm, Badsey, near Evesham, takes place on Saturday June 4 and Sunday June 5.

This weekend of asparagus madness, where children aged under ten gain free entry, will include CBeebies Swashbuckle duo Cook and Line – otherwise known as Joseph Elliott and Richard David-Caine.

They will lead the fun on Saturday which will include duck herding by The Quack Pack and Junkfish providing an array of arts and crafts creativity for youngsters.

Bands Dodgy; Blackbeard's Tea Party; Roving Crows; London Veg Orchestra; DH Lawrence & The Vaudeville Skiffle Show; London Philharmonic Skiffle Orchestra; Poor Boys of Worcester and Fred's House will be on stage providing musical entertainment.

For those with an appetite and thirst there will be cookery demonstrations, brewing and cider making talks, street food, food stalls, and lots and lots of Vale of Evesham asparagus.

The Vale of Evesham will also be staging its own version of the Olympics for the first time this year but it will be more like an asparagus themed “It’s a knockout” rather than Rio 2016.

And returning this year is the asparagus eating competition for those aiming to be crown King or Queen of Asparagus 2016.

More information about the 2016 Asparafest is available by visiting www.asparafest.co.uk

Throughout the entire weekend Asparafest offers festival visitors of all ages a wide selection of activities, with falconry, dance workshops, barn owls, falcony, a fun fair and swingboats, vintage engines alongside classic cars and of course Gus the Asparagus Man.