Fat Gay Vegan presents the Brecknock Road Vegan Festival

“I carry a bit of extra weight, I’m into guys and I enjoy cruelty-free food and drink.” And so begins the cult blog from Sean O’Callaghan – otherwise known as the Fat Gay Vegan – who this Saturday is putting on a bit of a bash on that most underrated of thoroughfares, Brecknock Road.

We walk along the street daily on the way to the office and often wonder why the street isn’t more praised, with its many organic food shops, excellent restaurants like Muya – and even a vegan shoe shop. But that’s where FGV comes in.

“This day has been designed to not only spread information about veganism, but also to support local, independent traders,” he says.

“Brecknock Road has a wealth of vegan-friendly stores and we want to prove you can get everything you need from your local high street. Fruit, vegetables, a night out, a bottle of wine, deli supplies and clothing. Brecknock Road has it all.”

Participating businesses include our fave Ethopian Muya, tempting Italian deli Salvino , Bumblebee Natural Foods and the Third Estate ethical boutique, which is well worth a visit if you’ve not been.

Events kick off at 11am with market food by The Mighty Fork and Rupert’s Street, with the Vegan Society on hand to pimp out information about the cause. Meanwhile, Motown party singer Steve Lucas will be entertaining the meat-dodgin’ troops in another underrated Brecknock haunt, The Admiral Mann, as the party moves to the local pub at sun down.

“Some of these traders have been on the street for decades and it has been the loyal local support that has kept them afloat during tough economic times,” says Sean. “This vegan shopping day is a way to celebrate these traders while raising the profile of a vegan lifestyle.”