CROWDS of people turned out to a sun-drenched Abbey Park in Evesham to celebrate the launch of the annual Great British Asparagus Festival.

There was morris dancing, music, stalls selling asparagus produce, a mass asparazumba session, and a host of asparagus-themed characters on hand to entertain visitors.

And the bells of Evesham Abbey Tower, which have been silent for many years, rang out during the festivities following an extensive restoration project.

The event, held today (Saturday), kicked-off with the Great English Asparagus Run starting at The Fleece Inn, in Bretforton.

A ceremonial 100 spear 'round' of asparagus was carefully transported on a Royal Worcester Porcelain plate in a vintage Morgan car from Bretforton, to Evesham, and then on to Acorns Children's Hospice in Worcester.

Councillor Fred Kaler, mayor of Evesham, was at The Fleece Inn and said: "It is a fantastic event. It brings the community together. It gives us this wonderful publicity."

Nigel Smith, landlord at The Fleece Inn and chair of the Asparagus Festival Community Interest Company, said: "When I came here and discovered the madness around asparagus I decided to make a little bit more of it to encourage people to eat local asparagus and to visit the area.

"We have done lots of interesting things, we have delivered asparagus to her majesty, we have been to Parliament. We are hoping that we can encourage our local MP and David Cameron to come along and take part in our asparagus eating competition!"

Gus the Asparagus Man, who has been involved in the festival since 2009, was one of the group transporting the asparagus to Evesham.

He said: "The festival started today because of St George's Day and also the official start of the old fashioned asparagus cutting season.

"I love the atmosphere and we get out and about spreading the word. It is promoting the local area and small businesses, farmers as well."

Jemima Packington, the Asparamancer, was also there to enjoy the day and said: "I love the whole thing, it is so exciting because it is the start of the asparagus season. It is just the atmosphere and it is the community that gets involved, especially here in Bretforton."

Dancing throughout the day were the Pebworth Morris Men and Asum Gras Molly group, while Trevor Harrison, who plays Eddie Grundy in Radio 4's The Archers was hosting the event in Evesham.

Mr Harrison said: "I'm a local actor, I live in Worcestershire, and I like promoting local things - and I like asparagus!"

The ceremonial round of asparagus will be auctioned off by the Cotswold Inns and proceeds will be donated to Acorns, which provides support to children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions.

Asparagus-themed events will now run as part of the festival, which is supported by Evesham Town Council and Wychavon District Council, until Tuesday, June 21.

For more information visit britishasparagusfestival.org or to find out more about Acorns visit acorns.org.uk