Cider Diary - your programme for the year ahead...

Traditional & Rare Breeds Farm Park:

Grand re-opening

2 April 2010, Weston's Cider, Much Marcle

What better way to spend Good Friday than by revisiting the marvellous menagerie at Weston's Cider's very own farm park? Plenty of fun for children of all ages, and of course, cider galore for those who aren't driving home afterwards!

See www.westons-cider.co.uk or telephone 01531 660108.

The Big Apple in Herefordshire

2-3 May 2010, Putley

Unique community events amongst the orchards. Enjoy Blossomtime in the village of Putley. Taste more than 40 ciders, meet cidermakers, walk through orchards in blossom. Try making cider for yourself at our enthusiasts' day.

See www.bigapple.org.uk or telephone 01531 670544.

International Cider & Perry Competition

12 May 2010, Cider Museum, Hereford

Enter the competitive world of cider-making and watch the experts vying for the top international awards.

See www.cidermuseum.co.uk or telephone 01432 354207.

Ross On Wye Cider Festival

Date TBC, Broome Farm

Three days of cider, music and old fashioned merry-making at Broome Farm in the beautiful Wye Valley area of outstanding natural beauty. Beginning with the ceilidh on Friday and featuring a farmers' market on Sunday, as well as many local producers of cider and perry.

See www.CiderOnline.net or telephone Kate on: 05603 198357.

National Trust Apple Weekend

Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd October 2010 at Berrington Hall, Nr Leominster

An established annual family treat. Cider making, apple displays, food and craft stalls, childrens activities and lots of apple related 'goings on'. 11am until 4:30pm

See www.nationaltrust.org.uk or telephone 01568 615721.

The Big Apple in Herefordshire

9th & 10th October 2010

Unique community events amongst the orchards, celebrating the cider heritage of Marcle Ridge.

See www.bigapple.org.uk or telephone 01531 670544.

Cider-making Festival

16th and 17th October 2010 Cider Museum, Hereford

Demonstrations of traditional cider making, countryside crafts, tutored cider tastings, games and activites for all the family. Free samples of cider. An event not to be missed.

See www.cidermuseum.co.uk or telephone 01432 354207.

Flavours of Herefordshire Food Festival

23 - 24 October 2010, Hereford Racecourse

The fifth Herefordshire food festival will showcase even more outstanding food and drink from one of the most rural counties in England. The two day event will feature around 120 local producers, as well as demonstrations and talks by celebrity cheesemaker Sean Wilson and locally established chefs and foodies. The results of the 2010 Flavours of Herefordshire Awards will be announced and there will be an opportunity to watch Herefordshire's finest young chefs at work, as well as chatting to the people who make, rear and sell real food with taste.

See www.visitherefordshire.co.uk or telephone 01432 260621.

Festive Food & Craft Fair

Dec 2010, Cider Museum, Hereford

A perfect opportunity to get ahead of the city centre crowds and pick up some imaginative gifts with a local flavour. Festive snacks and entertainment guaranteed! 11am - 7pm

See www.cidermuseum.co.uk or telephone 01432 354207.

Christmas at Westons

December 2010, Weston's Cider, Much Marcle

A traditional Christmas event for all of the family. Join us at 4pm for Festive Foods and mulled Cider for adults, apple juice for children, carols, lighting the tree and the opportunity to buy unique Christmas gifts

See www.westons-cider.co.uk or telephone 01531 660233.

Wassail

January 2011, TBA

On Twelfth Night, or what you will..., come and join the Morris dancers for their annual offering to the wood goddess, Pomona. This ancient tradition brings a blessing on the county's orchards, thereby encouraging a bountiful crop during the following season. For more dates and venues, please see the 'Did you Know?' page under Wassail.

See www.leominstermorris.co.uk or telephone Bagman Richard Wheeler on 01568 720426.