A Springtime Celebration of orchards, apples and cider in the Herefordshire parishes of Putley and Aylton
Sunday 5th and Monday 6th May, 11am to 5pm
It’s your special springtime opportunity to enjoy the lovely countryside nestling below the Marcle Ridge in Herefordshire, where local orchards are famous both for their cider fruit and their dessert and culinary fruit.
The event takes place at three venues over two days, 11am to 5pm, in and around Putley and Aylton.
One event – three venues to enjoy!
This year, The Big Apple has spread its wings to co-ordinate activities across three familiar venues, Putley Parish Hall, Court Farm Barn in Aylton and Putley’s Dragon Orchard.
Head first for Putley Parish Hall. This will be the Information Hub, where visitors can park, buy their entrance tickets (£5 for adults, children under 16 free, valid for all three venues), pick up leaflets and start walks, both guided and ‘freestyle’, around the orchards.
The Parish Hall will also be the centre for refreshments, and the famous Blossomtime lunches and teas. Lunches on Sunday will be provided by Aylton PCC from 11am – 2pm; Munsley WI will provide teas from 2-5pm. On Monday, lunches will be provided by Ledbury Young Farmers Club and teas from 2pm by Putley WI.
On the Sunday Evening Putley Parish Hall will host an evening of songs and entertainment from 7pm – ‘Bloomin Blossomtime’. Tickets on the door.
Court Farm Barn, Aylton will be the centre for arts, crafts, demonstrations, workshops and talks. Over the course of the two days, Hannah and Cheryl from Laughing Betsy will co-ordinate an installation, a collaboration between visitors, craftspeople and artists to reflect themes of regeneration, re-use, natural materials and nature.
Dragon Orchard will host the cider and perry tastings, cider/perry makers’ stalls and music and entertainment at The Big Hug. Or visitors can just wander amongst the fruit trees in the orchard, soaking up the sounds and scents of nature. “I think I’ve died and gone to Heaven” said one visitor last year!
Visitors will be encouraged to walk between the three venues – they are all within easy reach of each other – but for those who may need some assistance or just for the sheer fun of it, a tractor and passenger trailer will be available, as has happened at Harvestime for several years now.
Full programme details are available at www.bigapple.org.uk/blossomtime/
