Records were broken as the Asparagus Auction made its long-awaited return.
The event was cancelled in both 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic but with the world seemingly returning to normal, guests were once again able to raise their paddles to bid for the best produce the area has to offer.
Auctioneer Colin Jelfs led the proceedings at The Fleece Inn on Sunday, with the first round of ‘gus selling for almost £200.
Owner of the pub, Nigel Smith, said: “It was fantastic to have the full auction back at the pub.
“The first round went for a record-breaking £170, with thousands raised in total.
“We hope our friends and neighbours enjoy their gras!
“Big thanks to the Silver Band, Pebworth Morris, Belle D'Vain Morris, Gus and the Asparafairy, and of course auctioneer Colin Jelfs, who started the auction with a moving tribute to much-missed villager and grower Billy Byrd.”
Bretforton Silver Band were among those providing entertainment on the night.
Michelle Wood, chair of the band, said: "It was wonderful to be back at The Fleece Inn for our Asparagus auction following a two-year break due to the pandemic.
"We are so grateful to Colin Jelfs, our auctioneer and to everyone who put in the hard work to make this unique event possible. Long may it continue!"
Musical director, Paul Wood, added: "The fantastic support we receive enables the band to continue to thrive, we are proud to be the last surviving village band in Worcestershire and that's down to the generosity of our supporters."
The auction forms part of the British Asparagus Festival, first launched in 2006 as the marketing efforts of the British Asparagus Growers Association.
The six-week celebration of all things green and pointy got underway with a day of dancing and music at The Fleece Inn in Bretforton on April 23.
Speaking at the time, Wychavon tourism officer Angela Taylor said: “It was a wonderful start to the Asparagus season and really raises awareness of the prestigious Vale Asparagus not only locally but nationally as well.
“We are so proud that the Vale Gras is one very few protected foods in the UK and many farm shops are now selling it and pubs and restaurants throughout the County are including it in their menus for the forthcoming season.”
READ MORE: The Fleece Inn launches British Asparagus Festival
This year’s festival runs until June 21 with another auction set to take place this Sunday, June 5, at St Leonard’s Church in Bretforton.
Ahead of The Fleece Inn’s auction, Gus the Asparagus Man was part of a team that headed to London to promote the area’s tourism and support the Dogs on the Streets charity.
Pleased to join a group of Worcestershire community leaders and characters including the much loved #gustheasparagusman as they headed to London to promote the County's tourism and food offering while also supporting @dotslondon charity.
— Nigel Huddleston MP (@HuddlestonNigel) May 26, 2022
They got a few stares on the #GWR train! pic.twitter.com/ScbZDVaf7o
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