Newent Onion Fayre has been cancelled, with organisers citing the knock-on effects of the pandemic and economic uncertainties.
The popular event, which attracts thousands of visitors to the town each year, was due to take place in September.
But an enforced two-year hiatus brought about by Covid has taken its toll and despite the best efforts of organisers, the fayre will not return in 2022.
“We have had to make the difficult and very sad decision to cancel the Onion Fayre,” said Andy Offord, chairman of the Newent Onion Fayre.
“We do not want to disappoint people, but after being forced into having a two-year break, we’ve found that the momentum has been lost.
“Since the start of the year, we have been working hard to try to bring the event back for this September, however we have found that running the Fayre will not be feasible.
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“We have discovered there have been many casualties as a result of the pandemic, and due to the economic uncertainties at the moment, the previous support we have had for the event is no longer there.”
World famous onion eating competition
Gloucestershire’s largest free one-day event would see over 150 stalls, fairground rides, live music and an onion show, and would bring in around 15,000 visitors to the town.
Its onion eating competition made it famous throughout the world and it proudly proclaimed to be the only vegetable show in the country dedicated to the allium family.
The event was scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 20 through the streets of Newent.
“We are a small group of volunteers who have thoroughly enjoyed bringing this event to the small town of Newent each year, and would like to thank everyone that has supported the Fayre in the past,” said Mr Offord.
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“Whatever happens in the future, the Noble Onion will always be celebrated in Newent.”
A statement from the fayre organisers said: “We are disappointed to have made the decision to cancel, however with stall applications down and previous support no longer there, the committee has concluded that the event would not be feasible.
“We would like to thank everyone for the support over the past 24 years.”
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