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

Traditional & Rare Breeds Farm Park:

Grand re-opening

21 March 2008, 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

4-5 May & 11-12 October 2008, Putley & Much Marcle

Unique community events amongst the orchards. 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. In mid-October in neighbouring Much Marcle, watch the cidermaking, see cider fruit displays, walk in orchards, eat cider cake, drink cider and much more. Try making cider for yourself at our enthusiasts' day.

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

International Cider & Perry Competition

14 May 2008, 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.

Children's Fun Weekend

26-27 July 2008, Weston's Cider, Much Marcle

A wide range of fun activities for children at Weston's Cider Visitor Centre. More details to follow.

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

Cider Festival at Broome Farm

29-31 August 2008, Peterstow

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.rosscider.com.

Cider-making Festival

18-19 October 2008, Cider Museum, Hereford

See craft cider producers at work pressing apples in the most traditional way, alongside a vast range of stalls and attractions based around cider and perry. Take a ride on the dray, pulled by Westons' famous shire horses, then explore the fascinating world of bee-keeping and enter the honey competition. With displays of cider apples and fun for children, there is something to keep everyone occupied throughout the weekend.

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

Flavours of Herefordshire Food Festival

25-26 October 2008, venue tbc

The third 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 140 local producers, as well as demonstrations and talks by celebrity guests and locally established chefs and foodies. The results of the 2008 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.

Harvest Supper Evenings

31 October & 7 November 2008, Weston's Cider, Much Marcle

Celebrate the results of the wassail by sitting down to a hearty harvest supper at Weston's Cider. Places are limited so please book well in advance.

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

Festive Food & Craft Fair

2 Dec 2008, 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!

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

Late Night Shopping Evenings

4, 5, 11 & 12 December 2008, Weston's Cider, Much Marcle

Choose original and flavoursome Christmas gifts for family and friends whilst stocking up your own cellars and cupboards for the festive season. The shop will stay open until 8pm each evening. Why not book into the Scrumpy House restaurant and make a full evening of it?!

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

Wassail

6 January 2009, venue tbc

On Twelfth Night, or what you will..., come and join the dancers of the Leominster Morris 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.

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