Newent Onion Fayre, described as Gloucestershire’s greatest, largest and most successful one day free festival, returns again this year for the 22nd consecutive year on Saturday, September 9th.

The onion market began in the 13th century thanks to a charter granted to Newent by King Henry III. It has now become a street festival of food, drink, music, events, exhibitions, fun fair, activities and merriment which regularly attracts more than 15,000 visitors each year.

It  is a very big draw for visitors with in excess of 120 stalls around the town, a large food hall, two stages for music bands and a separate ‘Funion’ area near the lake especially for children.

The Fayre is the only national festival to celebrate the noble onion in this way and at its heart is the one and only Onion Eating contest, and the magnificent Onion Show, both of which are unique in their status in the UK, possibly even in the world.

The Onion Show, which is affiliated to the National Vegetable Society, is staged in the Memorial Hall and has Class exhibits that can only be from the Onion Family. It also includes Classes for children to exhibit and exhibitors come from all over the UK to compete for the cash prizes and trophies making for fierce competition.

The Onion Eating Contests for men and women attracts many entries each year and takes place during the afternoon on the main stage. If you think you can eat a raw onion why not go along and have a go?

For all information on the Fayre and especially for entering the contests please go to the website - newentonionfayre.org or for general enquiries contact [email protected]