A Tradition of Angling Excellence

Evesham, a picturesque market town nestled on the banks of the River Avon in Worcestershire, England, has long been regarded as one of the heartlands of match fishing in the UK. Over the years, the town has developed a rich and storied history in the world of competitive angling, with the Evesham Angling Festival standing out as a key milestone in this tradition. However, before the festival became the prestigious event it is today, there was another legendary competition that laid the groundwork for Evesham’s angling legacy — the Colt 45 Fishing Match.

In this blog, we’ll explore the history of match fishing in Evesham, tracing the evolution of the Colt 45 Fishing Match as the forerunner to the modern Evesham Angling Festival, and highlighting key figures like Ernie Huxley, Dick Derrington, and the influential Hampton Ferry.

Early Beginnings: The Rise of Angling in Evesham

Fishing in Evesham dates back centuries, with the River Avon providing a rich environment for anglers. The river was known for its abundance of species such as roach, bream, perch, and chub, making it a perfect location for recreational and competitive fishing. By the early 1900s, informal fishing competitions were taking place along the river, but it wasn’t until the mid-20th century that a more formal and structured competitive fishing scene began to develop.

The first steps toward modern match fishing in Evesham were slow but steady, and it was during this period that the foundations for the town’s later success as a competitive angling hub were laid.

Ernie Huxley and the Influence of Hampton Ferry

As competitive fishing in Evesham grew, Ernie Huxley emerged as one of the most prominent and respected figures in the sport. Huxley, a legendary angler known for his deep knowledge of the River Avon, was instrumental in shaping the early history of match fishing in Evesham. His approach to fishing was innovative, and his ability to read the river made him a formidable competitor at numerous events, including the emerging Evesham matches.

One of the key locations that helped define Huxley’s success was Hampton Ferry, a renowned stretch of the River Avon that became central to the town’s match fishing scene. Hampton Ferry was famous for its variety of fishing conditions, offering both deep and shallow areas that attracted different species of fish. For many years, it served as the epicenter of competitive fishing in Evesham, and it played a critical role in the development of the Evesham Angling Festival.

Huxley’s association with Hampton Ferry would not only contribute to his own success but also to the development of the event that would later evolve into the Evesham Angling Festival. His performances and his understanding of the river became legendary among local anglers.

The Colt 45 Fishing Match: Forerunner to the Evesham Angling Festival

In the 1970s, a pivotal moment in the history of Evesham’s angling scene occurred when Dick Derrington, a passionate local angler, came up with the idea to formalize the competitive fishing that had already begun to take root in the town. Derrington, with a vision to create a major angling event that would attract the best anglers in the country, introduced the Colt 45 Fishing Match.

The Colt 45 Fishing Match was designed to bring together the best anglers from across the UK for a one-day event on the River Avon. It was a casual, yet competitive, event that embraced both the sport of match fishing and the sense of camaraderie that has always been central to the culture of fishing in Evesham. The match was named after the Colt 45 beer, a popular drink at the time that became associated with the festival’s relaxed atmosphere and the post-match celebrations.

Though initially a local affair, the Colt 45 Fishing Match quickly grew in stature, attracting anglers from across the UK. This was the first step in establishing Evesham as the match fishing capital it would become in the years that followed. Derrington’s vision, combined with the popularity of the Colt 45 brand and the growing reputation of the River Avon, ensured that the match became one of the most eagerly anticipated dates on the competitive fishing calendar.

Over time, the event’s success led to its expansion, both in scale and prestige, and the Colt 45 Fishing Match would eventually evolve into the Evesham Angling Festival. The festival, with its broader scope, would include not only individual competitions but also team events, youth categories, and more, making it a far-reaching celebration of match fishing.

The Arrival of Sponsors: A New Era for the Festival

As the Colt 45 Fishing Match involved into the Evesham Angling Festival and continued to grow, it began to attract sponsorship from major companies in the angling and sports industries. This influx of sponsors marked the beginning of a new era for the event and helped turn it into one of the premier fishing festivals in the UK.

One of the most significant early sponsors was Shakespeare, a major name in fishing tackle manufacturing. Shakespeare’s involvement provided the festival with much-needed resources, including better facilities for anglers, larger prize pools, and improved media coverage. This partnership helped increase the visibility of the festival, attracting even more competitors and spectators to Evesham each year. It also cemented the festival’s reputation for high-quality competition, drawing anglers of all skill levels to participate.

Another key sponsor in the festival’s rise was John Smith’s Bitter, which became associated with the event’s social aspect. As the festival gained in popularity, John Smith’s became a symbol of the after-match celebrations, where anglers would unwind, swap stories, and bond over a drink. This sponsorship reinforced the festival’s ethos of community and camaraderie, something that has always been at the core of match fishing culture in Evesham.

Match Fishing Magazine, a key publication in the angling world, also played a major role in promoting the festival. Through its extensive coverage of the event, Match Fishing Magazine helped spread the word about the festival to a wider audience, reaching anglers from across the UK and beyond. The magazine’s articles, interviews, and tips on strategy became an invaluable resource for competitors, who were eager to learn from the best in the business. It also played a crucial role in profiling the top anglers who participated in the event, giving them national exposure and adding an element of prestige to the competition.

The Evesham Festival Today: A Modern Tradition

Today, the Evesham Angling Festival is one of the largest and most respected match fishing events in the UK. Over the years, the event has expanded to include various categories, including competitions for juniors, ladies, and veterans, ensuring that anglers of all ages and skill levels have an opportunity to compete.

The festival remains rooted in the traditions that began with the Colt 45 Fishing Match. The River Avon continues to be a central venue, with many anglers still testing their skills on the same waters where the competition started decades ago. However, the festival has adapted to the modern angling landscape, with some events taking place at purpose-built commercial fisheries. These changes have only served to keep the festival fresh and exciting for new generations of anglers.

In addition to its traditional match fishing events, the Evesham Festival has embraced a broader angling culture, incorporating casting demonstrations, tackle exhibitions, and other angling-related activities. It remains a celebration of both the sport and the community that supports it.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Excellence

The history of match fishing in Evesham is a story of growth, passion, and the enduring spirit of competition. From the Colt 45 Fishing Match, which served as the forerunner to the modern Evesham Angling Festival, to the involvement of legendary anglers like Ernie Huxley, the festival has shaped the town’s identity as a center for competitive angling.

The arrival of sponsors like Shakespeare, John Smith’s Bitter, and the support of Match Fishing Magazine helped propel the festival into the spotlight, and today it stands as one of the premier events in the match fishing calendar. Whether it’s the challenging waters of the River Avon, the legacy of Hampton Ferry, or the sense of community that remains central to the festival, the Evesham Angling Festival continues to uphold the traditions that began with the Colt 45 Fishing Match, ensuring that Evesham remains the beating heart of match fishing for generations to come.