A BUMPER crowd gathered near Evesham on the weekend to celebrate all things asparagus.

Around 5,000 people flocked to Ashdown Farm, Badsey, near Evesham, on Saturday and Sunday to enjoy a host of asparagus-themed entertainment and activities in celebration of the town's most famous produce.

Organisers said this year's event was "busier than ever".

"This year's festival was a great success, with more festival-goers camping than before and a real community and family atmosphere. It was definitely busier than previous years," Tash Daly, one of festival's organisers, said.

"One of the highlights has to be the inaugural Asparagus Eating Competition. We hope to build on that over the coming years.

"There was an array of delicious asparagus products, including asparagus ice cream and the Asparatini cocktail had sold out by the end of the festival. I was fascinated by a display of asparagus growing and tying implements alongside the classic cars, and for next year we hope to gather an aural and photographic history of growing in the Vale to show at the festival."

Various asparagus-inspired events were also held at the Fleece Inn in Bretforton, with monologues recited and music played throughout the weekend.

A line up of bands kept crowds entertained, with music from the Wurzels, Blackbeard's Tea Party, Moulettes, Bayou Seco, Thrill Collins, Model Folk and more performing.

A host of cooking demonstrations and skills displays also provided entertainment.

Falconry displays, talks and stalls selling local food, drink and arts and crafts meant there was plenty on offer.

Emma Goodge, a member of Evesham Knitters, said the event was "brilliant fun".

"It was really good. The weather was great on Saturday and it got a bit more drizzly on Sunday morning but it held out. My children absolutely loved the arts and crafts stall. It was fantastic, and we had our stall which was really good fun," she said.

The dates have already been set for next year's Asparafest, with the event set to fill the weekend of June 4 -5.

Super earlybird tickets are already on sale at asparafest.co.uk.