Nigels from around the world have gathered in a pub in Worcester to celebrate their shared ‘Nigel-ness’.
Pub owner Nigel Smith, who runs the Fleece Inn, has made it his life’s goal to increase the popularity of his name.
In doing so, he created the special ‘Nige-fest’ that draws hundreds to toast to all things Nigel.
Mr Smith came up with the idea after realizing that his name was officially extinct according to new birth records in 2016 and 2020.
Last night’s Nige fest brought together hundreds of Nigels from around the world for a pint.
In keeping with the theme, the entertainment was provided by musicians named Nigel, and attendees brought a photo ID and signed the ‘Nigel’s book’ which was kept in the pub.
The festival broke the world record for Nigels’ largest gathering – 432 joined him for a pint in 2019.
It was hoped that the record would be broken again last night, but a slightly more modest total of 372 passed the Fleece Inn.
The oldest Nigel in attendance was an 84-year-old who came from America for the event. The youngest Nigel was in his thirties.
Others traveled from Los Angeles, Florida and Texas to Nicaragua, Zimbabwe and Spain.
The second ever ‘Nigel Night’ has raised over £3,000 for the British Heart Foundation.
Mr Smith plans to host it again in 2025.
He said: ‘It was absolutely brilliant. We had a fantastic time.
“It was as if we had all known each other forever, but clearly we hadn’t. It was a great feeling that we all came together and celebrated our Nigelness.
“Times are pretty tough for many of us right now, so it was great to be able to get together for a party.
‘We just had a great time.
“Tradition is something you do twice, that’s the rule, and we’ll do it again. I think we’ve been encouraged enough to say every two to three years, we’ll definitely do it again.
“We had people from all over the world coming to the event. Our friend from Texas – Texas Nigel – came for the second time, but was joined by another Texas Nigel.
One Nigel came from the Isle of Wight so we had to give him a prize for the longest traveled Nigel in the UK.
“People who came this time heard about us three years ago and noted it in their calendars.
“We had shuttle buses from our local town and hotels so all the Nigels who had traveled could come here and maybe have a beer or two and not have to drive home.
‘We also had a 14 week old puppy named Nigel which was nice but he didn’t say much!
“We’re bringing Nigels from all over the world together, and we want to reach out and invite all Nigels—and all non-Nigels—to join us next time in 2025.”
Contact our news team by sending an email to: [email protected].
For more stories like this, check our news page.