ALL things onion-related are about to be the centre of attention in Newent once again, as the town's annual Onion Fayre returns.

About 12,000 people are expected to flock to the town for the eighth festival, which will be opened at 10am on Saturday, September 13, by Central News presenter Wesley Smith, accompanied by Newent's town crier Willum.

The streets around the town will be closed to traffic and filled with stalls and rides. Many local traders have entered into the spirit of the day by taking part in a window-dressing competition to depict a TV programme.

Entertainment will be headed up by the 20-strong Colwell Arts Jazz Ensemble, which will be performing a programme of country and western music. Traditional jazz and swing quartet Electric Fred will also be appearing, as well the Irish band Wilde Green.

Entertainers Tricky Dicky and Billy Busker, with his traditional Punch and Judy show, will provide comic relief for adults and children alike.

Pubs around the town will be joining in with beer, wine and cider.

One of the main events of the fayre will be the onion show, the only one of its kind in the country, dedicated to the whole of the onion family, including leeks, garlic and chives. The record for the heaviest onion, which stands at 10lb 8oz, could also be smashed.

There will be six tonnes of onions for sale underneath the black and white Market House, grown by Rob Keene of Over Farm Market and dried especially for the fayre.