LOCAL orchards, famed for their cider, dessert and culinary fruit are taking part in Blossomtime 2024

The event, which celebrates orchards, apples and cider produced in the Marcle Ridge area of the county in the parishes of Putley and Aylton takes place over two days this Bank Holiday weekend, Sunday and Monday, May 5 and 6.  This is normally the peak of the blossom season, so the trees can look spectacular.

This year, community organisers the Big Apple Association have spread their wings to co-ordinate more activities than ever across three familiar venues, Putley Parish Hall, Court Farm Barn in Aylton and Putley’s Dragon Orchard, each offering a different experience. 

Putley Parish Hall will be the welcome 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. 

It will also be the centre for the famous Blossomtime lunches and teas, provided in turn by Aylton Church, Munsley Women’s Institute, Ledbury Young Farmers and Putley WI.

Court Farm Barn, Aylton will be the centre for arts, crafts, demonstrations, workshops and talks, where Laughing Betsy will co-ordinate a collaboration between visitors, craftspeople and artists to create an installation reflecting themes of regeneration, re-use, natural materials and nature.

Dragon Orchard will host sample tastings selected from entrants in the 2024 Big Apple Cider and Perry Trials, a number of cider/perry makers selling their wares and music, poetry and entertainment in the orchard.  Visitors will be able to just wander amongst the fruit trees, soaking up the sounds and scents of nature.

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.

Speakers include Adam Wells, author of ‘Perry: A Drinker’s Guide’ and Gabe Cook, the well known and now locally resident Ciderologist.

Full programme details are available at bigapple.org.uk/blossomtime.