ONE of the UK's premier fishing festivals promises to be bigger and better than ever this year, writes Mervyn Collins.

August Bank Holiday weekend will play host to the 2004 Evesham Angling Festival - the 29th such event - and one that will see new sponsors lending their support to what has become a top date in many an angler's diary.

Started in 1975, the invitation only event dished out prize money in the region of £1000. This year's tournament boasts £25,000 up for grabs over the three days.

All that is due to the generous backing of Wychavon District Council, Shakespeare Ltd and Midland Angler, Match Fishing, part of David Hall Publications Ltd.

Featuring Britain's top anglers, club champions and guests from Europe, the three-day extravaganza starts off with the Shakespeare Individual Championships on Saturday, August 28.

The next day, it's the turn of the Evesham and District Association members who pit their wits against the world's best in the Wychavon Championships, while also being a fabulous day out for all the family.

And, to end what promises to be a fantastic festival of fishing, teams of five will compete in the Midland Angler Team Cham-pionships.

Junior anglers aren't forgotten and they get their own day to show their skills from the pegs on Wednesday, July 28.

When John Smiths Breweries pulled out as the major sponsor, a couple of years ago, the event's future was under severe threat.

However, through the endeavours of the Evesham Market Town Partnership, an Advantage West Midlands (Rural Development Agency) initiative, new and exciting sponsorship deals have been instigated that secures the festival's future at least for the next three years.

Shakespeare's involvement is not purely a financial one. The Redditch-based tackle company will present a specially commissioned David Hughes bronze trophy to the winner of Saturday's Individual champion, while tackle will be find its way into many of the winners' bags.

The company has been involved with the festival for 25 years, while managing director John Tomsett has one of the best vantage points as he lives overlooking the Avon!

In addition to watching some of the world's best exponents of the sport, the festival will also feature an outstanding new tented village with numerous trade stands, a craft fair, horticultural produce and plants on sale, a super Funfair, large beer tent, high teas, strawberries and cream and live entertainment for the children.

Before the serious stuff starts on August 28, there are numerous qualifying events when anglers get their chance to book their peg positions by the Warwickshire Avon.

Qualifying dates - Wychavon: June 16, July 24, August 11, 14, 18. Shakespeare: June 19, 27, July 4, 11, 18, 25, 31, August 7, 15, 21.

The final round if a Qualifiers Only Open on the Wednesday prior to the festival - August 25. More information from Diana Raphael on 01386 41270 or 01386 442458 or John Davis, on 01386 41273.