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History of the present day Plum Fayre The Plum Fayre was resurrected in 1996 by local environmentalist, David Shaw and local historian, Marion Freeman, to help raise the awareness and profile of the market town of Pershore and its association with plums. Expert horticultural assistance came to the committee in the form of John Edgeley, from the local college, who offered answers to visitor’s questions, as well as arranging for a selection of plums to be available. Ron Jaynes from Norton not only arranged a collection of oil engines to be displayed in St Andrews Gardens, but also thrilled visitors and locals alike with his "Old Pershore" slideshow. Charity stalls were invited to take part in the event and journalists from the television programme ‘Heart of the Country’ visited. Barrel organs and street entertainment added to the festivities, and the vicar, Martin Coombs, conducted at the Abbey a 'Songs of Praise’ type service, with readings and an exhibition showing the history and growth of plum in the area. All of these activities along with others added over the past twelve years have continued to produce a brilliant festival celebrating the plum history in and around the town of Pershore. Pershore Plum Festival 2009 Purple Pershore Plum’d out!
Record crowds descended on Pershore on Bank Holiday Monday for the culmination of the towns’ month long Plum Festival. More than 12,000 people who journeyed from far and wide enjoyed a “jam” packed day of plum foods, events and activities – the like of which the town has never seen before. From sausages, soaps & slippers; cheese, chutnies & cider; Princesses, poems & Prunella to fireworks, flowers, Town Criers, T Shirts and Teddies – not forgetting of course the famous Pershore Plums – and thank goodness this year produced a good crop…… because everyone wanted to buy them!
Plum Alley – the newest edition to the Festival was supported by Asda and proved a huge success with stall holders reporting bumper business.
The largest collections of classic cars ever to be seen in the town - more than 200 - turned up toparade in front of the majestic Abbey Angela Tidmarsh – Chair of the Festival Committee said “I am delighted at the success of this, the towns largest event. The town was buzzing, there was so much going on. Thankfully, the weather was kind to us and everyone seemed happy - there was a wonderful atmosphere wherever you went”
Pershore Plum Festival 2008
An estimated 10,000 people attended the Pershore Plum Fayre which was held in numerous venues throughout the town. From Princess to Poet, Windows to Wellingtons, Chutney to Cakes, T Shirts to Teddy Bears, Sausages to Scones and Beer to Balloons - not forgetting the Ice cream and of course the famous Pershore Plums - everything in and around the town was either plummy or purple!
"We are thrilled that the Plum Fayre and Festival has been such a success for everyone involved and that it was enjoyed by so many locals and visitors who came from far and wide on such a beautiful day. At the Pershore Flower Show in 1920, a poster advertising the event described it as "The Largest Plum Show on Earth" and its wonderful to think that almost 90 years later, Pershore and its Plum Festival are striving to recreate thisspectacle". Plum Fayre Shuttle Buses and Park & Ride Schemes encouraged visitors to the town
Many "plummy" competitions were organised throughout the Festival, and one more than most attracted enormous media interest with headlines like: . Pet Pooch Inspires Plum Poet Laureate to pen modernTinker, Tailor Counting RhymeThe organisers of Britain's only Plum Festival challenged people to create a contemporary version of the tinker tailor counting rhyme. The winning entry was submitted by Fiona Abbott from Pershore, the proprietor of ‘Three Little Pigs’ a giftware shop in the town. Fiona accredits her inspiration to her pet collie dog, Noah who simply loves plum jam!
Banker, Baker Landlord, Lecturer Kennel Maid, Camera Man Wanabee, Wag (Fiona & Noahs' Winning Entry) Another popular new competition was " Plum Tossing". A unique game, being staged for the first time since the days of yore. Qualifying heats took place throughout the afternoon, and a nail biting final was held at Pershore Town Football Club at the end of the day.
Clemmie Seaward - Victorious 2008 Champion Plum Stone Tosser!
A plum themed colouring competition organised by the local branch of Cheltenham and Gloucester Building Society attracted numerous entries from budding Picassos'. The winners were Billy Purvis (7 - 12 age group) and Simon Davies-Smith (0 - 6age group) who received C & G Goody Bags <Competition winners Billy Purvis and Simon Davies-Smith with staff from Cheltenham and Gloucester Building Society
The Plum Shop Window Display competition also proved very popular with a record number of entries. The overall winner with "Sugar Plum Fairy" was Special Occasions who also generously donated the specially designed gown for the Plum Princess
Pershore Goes Plum Crazy!Fears that the cold weather during Spring Blossom time which had led to a National shortage of all varieties of plums prompted Festival Chairman, John Edgeley to prewarn visitors there was a distinct possibility there would not be enough plums to go around this year - however, retailers and businesses in the town put their thinking caps on - and turned even the most unlikely products into something "plummy" Plum Wellingtons Pershore Plum Sausage
Plum Gifts Purple Balloons decorated the town
Plum Ice Cream Spoilt for Plum Choice!
Pershore Abbey Park was the locale for one of the largest gatherings of Rolls Royce, classic and vintage cars the town has ever seen. Marking out the plan of the ancient cloisters of the iconic Abbey, this display, along with the Teddy Bear Zip Wire Races proved to be among the most popular events of the day.
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The first ever month long Festival in the historic market town of Pershore ended on August Bank Holiday Monday with one of the most successful events the town has ever seen.
