The pub that's making plans to keep the name Nigel

21 September 2025

Elliott Webb,Bretfortonand

Tanya Gupta,West Midlands

News image — Previous events were so much fun, the pub decided to do it again

The Fleece Inn Four men wearing wigs, two in flowery shirts, line up for a photograph at this year's gathering of Nigels. They are in a marquee, which is lit up behind them. — Previous events were so much fun, the pub decided to do it again

A pub has been making plans to keep the name Nigel as it held its annual celebration of the name.

Hundreds of verified Nigels signed in to the Fleece Inn in Bretforton, Worcestershire, for Nigel Night V3.

Landlord Nigel Smith set up the event when it was revealed no babies were given the name in 2016 or 2020.

He said previous events were "so joyous" the pub wanted to do it again although he did concede it was mostly attended by men of a certain age. "People said the Nigel was a dying breed," he added. "They were wrong. Nigel Night has become a cultural phenomenon."

The Fleece Inn Men and women queue up at the pub for Nigel Night. The crowd is standing by a stone wall. There is a village with trees and cars in the background. — Nigels had to be verified to be counted, but non-Nigels and Nigellas were joining in the fun

His first "Nigel Night" was held in 2019, when 432 Nigels, from seven months old to 80 gathered, and in 2022, 372 joined the celebration.

People had travelled from the US and Australia for the event.

"It is a very British name, at least in English-speaking countries, so there are a lot of people in the UK that are called Nigel, but also across the world – Canada, the States, Australia, all over the place," he said.

The Fleece Inn A man with a beard and bushy hair stands in the marquee with crowds of people around him. He is wearing custom novelty sunglasses with the name Nigel emblazoned across the front. — Entertainment included a Nigel DJ, a Nigel comedian and songs by famous Nigels

The evening included the "Nigel awards", with categories including the youngest Nigel, the oldest Nigel and the furthest-travelled Nigel.

Entertainment included a Nigel DJ, a Nigel comedian, songs by famous Nigels, a pub quiz and Nigel competition, a Nigel pets parade and a Nigel bagpiper.

There were also Nigel T-shirts, badges, stickers and certificates, and the landlord said people not called Nigel could have a "not-Nigel badge".

Non-Nigels and Nigellas were also welcome.