THOUSANDS of people turned out for the Newent Onion Fayre making it probably the biggest of the 20 that have been held since its revival in 1996.

The centrepiece was the onion eating competition where women munch through a 5oz specimen of the vegetable while men face 7oz of the peeled, raw vegetable.

Six-time winner Sean Wozencroft retained the title and there was a fourth victory for Sara Davies of Ross.

As well as the eating competition there were bands, stalls, fishing lessons, Morris dancers, trampolining and even belly dancers.

Organiser Charlotte Offord said: “This was easily the biggest we’ve ever had with more than 180 stalls. It was a brilliant day that went on well into the evening.”

The fayre also features a produce show with local growers showing their best vegetables.

•See this week’s Review for more photographs.

Celebrations went on long into the evening with the Onionfest party by the lake featuring bands and a laser light show.