PUTLEY near Ledbury is preparing to welcome big crowds for its annual celebration of orchards in full bloom, apples and cider.

A spokesman said: “Blossomtime in Putley is centred on a cider tasting in the village hall, based on entries from the Big Apple Cider and Perry Trials with well over 100 ciders and perries available to taste.

“Together with its surrounding parishes, Putley is famous for its

orchards, and the mix of dessert and cider fruit means that there will

always be blossom at this time of year. Visitors can walk through the

orchards, taste the ciders, enjoy a home-made lunch or tea – and

discover for themselves why orchards are special places and apples

matter to us all.”

The event will take place on Sunday May 6 and Monday May 7.

The spokesman added: “On Monday morning, the Skittery family will welcome visitors to see how Jus, their award winning single variety apple juice, is made at Birchall Farm in Aylton.

Putley will also be welcoming some special guests.

On Sunday morning, Graham Harvey, former agricultural story editor to The Archers, and James Crowden, author, poet and cider enthusiast, will share their thoughts on the impact of cider on “Poetry, The Archers and the world at large”.

Their talk will take place at Dragon Orchard at 11am.

Each afternoon, Ciderologist Gabe Cook, fresh from his recent tour of

cidermaking areas around the world, will offer pop-up tutored cider

tastings at Putley Village Hall.

The spokesman added: “Dancing from Leominster Morris and music from Fiddlers Two will add the final touches to a special countryside experience.

Putley Village Hall will be open for the Grand Cider Tasting and Teas

from 2pm to 6pm on Sunday May 6 and from noon to 5pm on Monday May 7.

Full programme details are available at www.bigapple.org.uk