Each morning the asparagus will be cut and rushed to head chef Ian Gibbs who will then prepare and serve the vegetable with other fresh, local ingredients. John Hugo, co-founder of the Festival and proprietor of the dining pub, sources all of the asparagus from Langton Nurseries which is within a few miles of the establishment. Hugo commented: "It's great fun thinking of all the ways you can serve asparagus, especially when you combine its delicate flavour with the other fabulous local flavours produced right on our doorstep. As the British asparagus season is so short we wanted people to enjoy it for as long as possible." The Festival menu, which will be changed daily during the Dorset Asparagus celebration, will include dishes including a chilled 'shot' of asparagus soup, a classic Asparagus Hollandaise or lightly steamed Asparagus served with local Dorset butter. Each dish will be prepared fresh on the day. Chef Gibbs commented on one of his favourites: "As with all new season vegetables, the flavours are superb when freshly cut or dug. Asparagus, new potatoes and the first English strawberries are worth waiting for and it is a delight to taste them as the new season starts." Weblink: www.thecoventryarms.co.uk