With the apple trees already loaded with blossom in the surrounding orchards, Putley near Ledbury is ready for its annual celebration of apples, orchards and cider, this Bank Holiday weekend.

Big crowds are expected for the Big Apple event on Sunday May 5 and Monday May 6, and over 200 entries have been made to the Cider and Perry Trials – including “a record number of draught dry ciders all waiting to be tasted”.

Other attractions will include a guided walk, a ‘pop-up’ tutored tasting,and dancing from Leominster Morris or music from Fiddlers Two.

A spokesman said: “Putley is famous for its orchards, a legacy of the Putley Court Estate in the nineteenth century. Visitors can walk through the orchards, taste the ciders, enjoy a home-made lunch or tea.

“A programme of walks, talks and farm visits gives special insight into farming activities today, like the advanced fruit presses in use by Pixley Berries, and also of yesterday, including the story of Harry Taylor, overseer on the Putley Court Estate nearly 150 years ago when acres of orchards – or plantations – were established in the parish.”

The spokesman added: “Putley will be welcoming some special guests. On Sunday morning, authors and cidermakers Susanna Forbes, Gabe Cook and Simon Day will share their thoughts on what Herefordshire can teach other countries when it comes to cidermaking – and what we have to learn from exciting new makers around the world. Their talk and tasting will take place at Dragon Orchard at 11am. Just up the road, Helen and Andrew Riga will welcome visitors to Yew Tree Farm to taste their single variety perries under each of the trees which produced the pears.”

Putley Parish Hall will be open for the Grand Cider Tasting and Teas from 2pm–6pm on Sunday May 5 and from 12¬–5pm on Monday May 6.

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

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