A springtime celebration of cider orchards near Ledbury is returning for the first time since before the pandemic.

Blossomtime takes place on Sunday May 1 and Monday May 2 and organisers are excited to welcome visitors back after having to cancel the event in 2020 and 2021.

Organised by The Big Apple Association, Blossomtime will see a number of events take place over two days, centred on the village of Putley.

As well as opportunities to taste a whole range of entries to the Cider and Perry Trials, cider and perry on sale will include artisan makers Artistraw Cider and Perry, Bartestree Cider, Gregg’s Pit Cider and Perry, Halfpenny Green Cider Company and Pope’s Perry.

Highlights include ‘#RethinkCider’, a talk from Jane Peyton, the UK’s first accredited ‘pommelier’ and founder of the School of Booze.

There is also drop-in printmaking with Laughing Betsy, supported by the Elmley Foundation, which uses ‘kitchen lithography’ and is inspired by objects and images on loan from local families associated with cider making and apple growing.

Three guided walks each day will tell the stories of the orchards in and around Putley and there will be lunches, brunches and teas provided by local community groups. 

READ MORE: Annual Herefordshire cider event cancelled due to coronavirus

“When we were able to hold our autumn event last October, visitors were enthusiastic about the opportunity to enjoy being out and about in the countryside”, said The Big Apple’s Jackie Denman.

“Our cider and perry community responded so positively when we managed to arrange a delayed Big Apple Cider and Perry Trials in July 2021.

“Now we can bring it all together again, with a Grand Cider Tasting at Putley Parish Hall, time spent under the apple trees at Dragon Orchard, and one-off events at Court Farm Aylton and Pixley Festival Church.

“The full programme is available online at www.bigapple.org.uk. We can’t wait to get back.”