Veganism has come a long way in the past few years. Not so long ago the public perception of a vegan was of somebody who lived a life of deprivation, probably in a bed-sit somewhere. Most people who had even heard of vegans would think that they were anaemic, wore sandals in all weather, and spent most of their lives boiling all their own beans. Vegan shoes were few and far between, places serving vegan food were as rare as hens' teeth, and a lot of vegans would just describe themselves as "vegetarian" to avoid the endless mirth of their peers.

Nowadays things are completely different. Veganism has come out of the shadows, and is the fastest growing diet in the Western World today. Medical science acknowledges that a balanced vegan diet is the optimum way for people to eat. Animal protection has become an important feature in many people's lives, with revelations about modern farming methods persuading many people to turn their backs on meat. Most people in the country now describe themselves as "meat reducers", and aspire to go completely cruelty free. A vegan is now no longer a slightly odd figure on the margins of society, but someone who is seen to stand for principles that we all hold dear.

Along with these changes there has been an explosion of vegan products and services in the last five years. Now a vegan is spoiled for choice when it comes to products like ice-cream, meat substitutes, shoes. There is an absolute plethora of "pleather" jackets, chocolate and "cheeses." You name it, we've got it. And that is why it is time for veganism to be celebrated.

Over the last twelve months Realfood has been involved in eight free vegan food fairs in town centres across the country. Members of the public were invited to take a break from shopping, and sample delicious vegan foods. Far from being scared off by the word "vegan" these fairs were packed to capacity - numbers ranging from 300 to well over 500. These were just local small-scale events, and they were massively successful - because people are genuinely interested in a cruelty free diet. The continuing success of the National Vegan Festival, and the wonderfully positive response to the Bristol Vegan Festival (attended by about 1000 people) demonstrates completely that it is time to bring veganism still further forward. The public is ready, we are ready, and as a movement we have so much to celebrate.

So if you are reading this, and thinking about going vegan, then please attend our festival, and see how varied the options are. And if you are vegan and want to remind yourself how positive your dietary choice is, then come along as well. This festival is for everybody. We would love to see you there.

MORE VEGAN FESTIVALS

Due to the success of the vegan festivals held so far this year more areas are organising their own festivals. The following information is about other vegan festivals.

Bristol vegan fayre
www.veganbristol.co.uk/fayre.htm
This festival will be held each year as near as possible to world vegan day in November.

East Midlands Vegan Festival
www.houseoflife.co.uk/veganfestival/

HEART OF ENGLAND VEGAN FESTIVAL
JUNE 18TH 2005
CARLING ACADEMY, BIRMINGHAM