A celebration of cider orchards near Ledbury gets underway this weekend.
Cider presses are well into action in this corner of Herefordshire, and Big Apple venues are once again standing by to welcome visitors to the Marcle Ridge.
Taking place on Saturday, October 8 and Sunday, October 9, events will be held in and around Much Marcle to celebrate the apple harvest being in full swing.
Nine familiar Big Apple venues including Woodredding, Lyne Down, Pope’s Perry, Hellens, Gregg’s Pit and Awnells Farm, alongside regular attractions at Westons Cider, are waiting to welcome visitors to enjoy the orchards.
You’ll be able to see, hear and smell cider being made and to taste many different varieties of apples, local ciders, perries and apple juices.
And the apple teas at the Memorial Hall are not to be missed.
This year’s highlights include giving a hand to press perry pears from the ancient avenue at Hellens Manor, discovering edible hedges, wheeling along with the Big Apple Bike Ride and tasting Jolly G’s Golden Guernsey Goat Milk Ice Cream.
The ever-popular ‘high-altitude’ tutored cider tastings are back on the Marcle Ridge, with musical interludes from Uke Can’t Be Serious and Leominster Morris.
How to maintain orchards and talks on cider
Practical sessions on maintaining orchards and wildflower areas with the traditional craft of scything, tool sharpening, and the chance to buy refurbished garden tools are also on, for those who like to do things for themselves.
Talks on John Philips, Hereford’s Georgian cider poet, Cider Country, and the search for lost varieties of perry pears round off the programme.
Full details of venues and special events, and advance booking where required, can be found at www.bigapple.org.uk/harvestime2022/
READ MORE: Westons Cider announced record deal for £4million worth of apples
We reported last week that Much Marcle-based cider company Westons had bought £4 million worth of apples as it celebrated one of its most successful years.
The firm has struck deals with 180 regional growers to supply cider apples after a record 12 months that saw it become the UK’s fastest growing producer.
Westons attracts 40,000 visitors to the area every year.
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