'We're looking for a wide range of companies' stalls available for Atherstone Vegan Fayre

A vegan fayre is coming to Atherstone this summer and organisers are looking for local vegan and ethical businesses to sign up to showcase their products and help spread awareness of a vegan alternatives.

Hosted by Lisa and Paul Millard, owners of the 'Soy Oi' vegan food van, the festival will take place on Saturday, November 20 at Atherstone Memorial Hall.

There will be at least 20 stalls at the fayre, with vegan protein powder company 'PB Plants,' vegan clothing and gift suppliers 'Little Green Pigeon' and nationwide animal rights charity 'Viva' already confirmed.

However, Lisa and Paul are looking for more businesses to get involved.

Speaking to Nub News Lisa said: "We have been pleased with the uptake so far given it is only January and there is still uncertainty ahead, but we want more businesses to get involved.

"We want a range of businesses so that people can see that for whatever it is, there is an alternative product, you don't have to buy things that are tested on animals or contain animal products, so yes we're looking for a wide range of companies."

Lisa and Paul, who had previously owned their own roller shutter door business, launched Soy Oi at the beginning of 2020.

The couple had been vegan for around three years and were enjoying discovering just how diverse a vegan diet could be.

"We got asked by a lot by friends and family 'what do you eat' and we thought rather than keep telling people, we would show people how varied and versatile the diet can be."

However, due to the pandemic Soy Oi has only been able to attend a few markets since the spring, and has moved to an online-based business for the time being.

Soy Oi now has its own vegan cook book, as well as ethical clothing range produced in partnership with Little Green Pigeon.

With the prospect of a return to 'normality' on the horizon though, Lisa and Paul began planning their vegan festival.

"We wanted to look to the future, look to what we could do hopefully once things have started to get back to normal, and we thought it would be a nice idea to showcase veganism in the local area.

"We wanted to get a feel for what the demand was like, broaden people's horizons and opinions to what veganism is.

"We hope that it will get people talking, obviously you don't have to be vegan to attend, you can be vegetarian or meat eaters, just come along and have a look at what the alternatives are. And a great chance for local business to show what they sell."

If you own a vegan or ethical-based company and are interested in booking your slot, then please follow this link to the Soy Oi website and fill out the contact form.

Alternatively you can enquire directly to [email protected]

At the present time they are not looking for deposits to secure a slot, and will not ask for one until the UK Government gives the full go ahead to such events.

"We know how much small businesses have been struggling during the pandemic and we don't want them to have to pay out any more money then they need to."

Nub News will bring the full list of stalls and details of the fayre as soon as they are finalised.