From the Ledbury Reporter:

Youngsters at schools around Newent have been given onion sets to encourage them to grow prize whoppers for this year's Onion Fayre.

The event takes place on Saturday, September 13, and spokesman Sheila Pain said: "Pupils at Glebe, Gorsley, Tibberton, Pendock and Churcham Schools have all been encouraged to grow onions. The schools' competition will be for the three best onions on display."

The onion fayre appears to go from strength to strength. In 1996, an estimated 5,000 people attended and last year attendance was 12,000.

Mrs Pain said: "It is now one of the well established premier summer events in Gloucestershire."

Highlights this year include the popular "eat an onion" competition, stilt walkers, and the children's entertainers Billy Busker and Tricky Dicky.

There will be a fancy dress competition for youngsters, with the theme of a children's TV character. A window display competition will be open to all traders, and theme will be a TV programme.