The humble plum was one of the first fruits ever domesticated by humans. But, while still grown and eaten all over the world, they’re often overlooked for other summer stone fruits like peaches or cherries—that is, unless you live in the Vale of Evesham, where the region’s unique microclimate has famously grown plums for centuries.
Numerous plum varieties are grown in the Vale’s fertile soil, and they’re all celebrated every August bank holiday Monday with the huge Pershore Plum Festival. Just 45 minutes from Birmingham, the Worcestershire market town’s cobbled streets are bursting with bright purple festivities.
What is happening at Pershore Plum Festival?
Plum fanatics can discover exciting activities across the whole month—from a shop window competition (Saturday, August 22) to a motorbike display (Thursday, August 27). But the main Plum Festival Day takes over Pershore on Monday, August 31, featuring cookery demonstrations, live music, fairground rides and more.
The August bank holiday Monday will see the whole town taken over by the area’s most famous fruit, stretching from the beautiful Abbey Park to the bustling Broad Street. You can learn the history of the legendary Pershore Plums, taste the different varieties, and even buy a punnet or two of freshly-picked plums to take home.
Elsewhere, explore endless stalls selling local produce, arts and crafts, and handmade gifts, while also tucking into an array of street food and drink. Have a boogie to local bands and performers; let your little ones go wild with traditional games and funfair rides; and develop your gardening and cookery skills with live demos.
And, if that wasn’t enough, the annual Pershore Abbey Classic Car Show also takes place each year on the same day. You will find over 700 classic cars on display on the breathtaking Abbey grounds. Pershore Plum Festival truly is one of the weirdest and most wonderful festivals in the whole of the West Midlands.
How do I get to Pershore?
You can drive to Pershore in under an hour by following the M5 to Pershore Road in Worcestershire (take exit 7) and following the B4084 to Broad Street. But for the quickest option, grab a train from Birmingham New Street to Worcestershire Parkway and change for Pershore (for only a 45-minute journey).
