Sun shines on Onion Faye (From Malvern Gazette)

Sun shines on Onion Faye

4:30pm Saturday 13th September 2008

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p>Thousands of people have flocked to Newent Onion Fayre as warm sunshine brought a last burst of summer to the event.

After heavy rain on Friday night, the skies cleared to give vintage conditions to an event that has suffered more than once at the hands of the weather over the years.

TV presenter Anna Brees opened the event at 10am in front of a partisan home crowd.

In front of a audience which included her family, Anna paid tribute to the "unique" attributes of the town, where she grew up. She attended both infant and primary schools and then Newent Community School and said she was still delighted to return to the area.

She added that the onion fayre was, like the town itself, unique.

Earlier, the official opening party, which included Newent mayor Eddie Wood, was led through the town in a procession led by Ledbury town crier Bill Turberfield.

There was already a big crowd by 10am and that continued to grow as the day wore on and the sun started to shine through.

There was the traditional display of horticultural produce in the Memorial Hall and also the onion eating contest. In the parish church, wedding dresses of differing vintages were on display.

Around the town's beautiful lake, youngsters could try taster sessions of angling or watch a display of model boats. There was also live music on the stage by the balustrade.

In the town centre itself, there was a host of stalls to enjoy. One of the strengths of the fayre is its community involvement and stalls included Newent Wine Circle, Glebe and Picklenash schools, the Scouts and Newent Orchestra.

There were plenty of funfairs rides to enjoy, ranging from a big wheel and tea-cups to a traditional roundabout.

For the thirsty, there was a cider tent at the Black Dog and a beer festival at The George. Lyne Down Cider, of Much Marcle, also had a stall. Traditional hot pork rolls were also a favourite.

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