This year’s Evesham Festival is set to be bigger, better and more exciting than ever before, making it a must-visit attraction for anyone with even the faintest interest in angling.
Taking place this bank holiday weekend (23rd, 24th and 25th August), the show will see a host of angling’s biggest names go into battle on one of match fishing’s most legendary venues.
Star names that have confirmed their attendance include Alan Scotthorne, Will Raison, Des Shipp, Dave Harrell, Wayne Swinscoe and Steve Hemingray. With over 20 invited stars doing battle, including every member of the world-beating Drennan Team England, if you want to see how river fishing should be done, then there is no better place to head!
And then there is the fishing itself that is on offer. This year, the sport has proved more varied and exciting than it ever has before – and it looks like the mighty River Avon might have more than its fair share of surprises in store for competitors this year.
Up until the last fortnight, the river’s famous population of barbel had been conspicuous by it’s absence so far this season, but now the whiskery critters have really switched on to the feed!
The last two matches before the festival have seen well over 20 of these angry river monsters hooked and, indeed, the last two matches of the season have been won with barbel. With fish as big as 14lb present, and doubl- figure fish common, experts are tipping that some huge fish will be banked this weekend.
Let’s not forget the festival show, which again is bigger and better than ever this weekend. Confirmed exhibitors include Preston Innovations, Korum, Frenzee, Match Box, Dinsmores, Nash, Floats Direct and a host of retailers with piles of bargain tackle for you to bag.
Running alongside the festival is the Evesham Beer Festival, taking place in the on-site beer tent on the Crown Meadow, and run by local landlord, and real ale expert, Nigel Smith. The stand will boast more than 20 real ales, ranging in strength and flavour, to ensure that there is something for every palette.
If food is your thing, you will also find plenty of good nosh to go at, courtesy of the festival’s new catering partners, Event Street Foods. Alongside premium-quality burgers and hot dogs, these guys have a couple of their own specialities – namely pulled pork and stone-baked pizzas!
Entry to the festival is free, with gates open from 9am on each of the three days. Evesham’s Crown and Corporation Meadows are the places to head to get involved, which for satnav users, can be found at the postcode: WR11 4SS. Alternatively, just head into Evesham and follow the signs for the festival!
