Students to help launch the British Asparagus Festival

National Star students will get the chance to prepare the first Vale of Evesham asparagus of the season as part of the British Asparagus Festival.

Cherished tradition

The festival is a cherished Vale tradition heralding the arrival of the beloved green spear. It kicks off once on St George’ s Day (April 23) with an asapara-tastic steam train journey.

The launch marks the start of two months of celebrations dedicated to all things asparagus. The celebrations include music, morris dancing, and the company of none other than Gus the Asparagus Man and the legendary St George himself.

On April 23 at 9.30am, festivities start with a gathering of Morgans and other classic cars at the Fleece Inn, Bretforton. There will be music and dancing before attendees embark on a journey to Broadway station for a special trip aboard the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway (GWSR).

The Asparagus Express Steam Train departs Broadway at 11:35am bound for Cheltenham Racecourse, carrying the first 100-round of Vale Asparagus in iconic style through the Cotswold countryside. Gus and St George will parade the asparagus through the train, offering unique photo opportunities.

Students to deliver delicious asparagus dishes

The fresh asparagus will be donated to National Star, where students will whip up the prized asparagus into delicious dishes to be served at StarBistro, showcasing the very best of English seasonal and local fare.

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!’

Book tickets for the Asparagus Express in advance, with a 5% discount for online bookings, via the GWSR website.

Find out more about the British Asparagus Festival.