UK’s first Asian Hornet Pantomime performed in Devon

Tiverton Beekeepers (a branch of Devon Beekeepers’ Association) are doing their bit to help raise awareness of the threat posed by Asian hornets, by staging the first ever pantomime about the invasive insects.

The performance, “The Attack of the Yellow-Legged Asian Hornet”, will take place at Plymtree Country Fayre and Horse Show, on Bank Holiday Monday, 26th August.

Asian hornets, known as ‘yellow legged’ hornets due to their distinctive yellow-tipped legs, are voracious predators of honey bees and other vital pollinators, and have been increasing in numbers in the UK in recent years, particularly in counties along the south coast. 

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) is encouraging the general public to look out for and report any sightings using the Asian Hornet Watch app – teams of experts from the National Bee Unit (NBU), are then able to trace and destroy any nearby nests.

Tracy Frankpitt, of Tiverton Beekeepers, said: “Beekeepers all over the country are trying to make people aware of the Asian hornet threat and we thought a pantomime would really get the message across.”

Plymtree is well known for its original and entertaining main ring events, so the fayre committee immediately embraced the pantomime idea.

Ollie Marks, Chairman of Plymtree Fayre, said: “It has drama, audience participation, a lot of laughs and it’s very informative”

Tiverton Beekeepers and Plymtree Fayre members have been joined by local villagers in the production, where a yellow-legged Asian hornet attacks the insects in a garden, is identified by a woman with a mobile phone and then exterminated by an operative from the NBU.

Plymtree Country Fayre and Horse Show is a free-entry event and will be open from 12pm until 4pm on Bank Holiday Monday.

Alongside the pantomime, visitors will also be able to enjoy children’s games, refreshments, sports and leisure activities, a horse show and dog show, craft stalls, live music and much more.  There is something for every member of the family.

People who suspect they have seen a yellow-legged Asian hornet should report it immediately using the phone app ‘Asian Hornet Watch’, via an online reporting form (irecord.org.uk/enter-non-native-records) or by emailing alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk.