From A Vegan Guide To Bristol 2004.

Yaoh Hosts First Ever Bristol Vegan Fayre

Saturday 1st November 2003 - World Vegan Day - saw some 1500 people filter through the doors at The Watershed, central Bristol, on theri way to the first ever Bristol Vegan Fayre, organised by Bristol based firm Yaoh Hemp Products and sponsored by Redwood Wholefoods.

Some 40 businesses and charities, both local and National, were represented, including Bristol Cancer Help Centre and Viva!, as well as Essential and Wild Oats, amongst others. A huge range of vegan goods were on offer, including a lot offree samples and tastings. Entrance to the public was free, and nearly a thousand 'goodie bags' were handed out, including freebies from Yaoh, Shepherdboy, Essential, Green People and Doves Farm, as well as a wealth of information and leaflets.

The talks and demos proved especially popular, with the room packed for talks from a wide range of people including Jill Swyers (Living Foods For Optimum Health), Juliet Gellatley (Viva), and Mike Abrahams (Wild Oats), amongst others. Subjects varied but all had one thing in common - some of the benefits of the vegan lifestyle,

The entertainment was top notch too, including an excellent live band playing gypsy music (Malarchy), and astounding contortionist by the name of Rubber Ritchie, comedian Ruth Rose, and vegan bodybuilder Robbie Hazeley. And in the background, and 8 hour set of inspirational music spanning five decades.

And to top the day , £152 was collected on the door for Vegfam, a charity which works in some of the toughest parts of the world.

Thanks to all those who took part and all those who came. Plans are already afoot for the next one.

After the fayre, it was up the road to Dimensions nightclub where the whole crew partied the night aay in style, with the cream of Bristol OL'Skool massive including original Club Yeyo DJ's. Rob Smith (Smith and Mighty), Lupine Howl live and special guest Bez fromthe Happy Mondays. Top nite out, boys 'n'girls, top nite out.