Tasty Summer Ahead for Cider Fans
April 01 2009
There is a feast of festivals for cider and perry lovers during 2009 when you can enjoy an exciting range of products, meet producers and learn more about your favourite drink.
Below is a list of events we have been notified of, but we expect to add to them in the coming weeks.
One of the most important is the Orchards and Cider event at the Royal Bath and West Show at Shepton Mallet, Somerset (May 27- 30) when not only will there be the opportunity to sample a huge range of ciders and perries, but exhibits, tutored tastings, competitions and demonstrations about all aspects of today’s industry – as well as a section celebrating its heritage.
Last year saw a record 290 entries for the cider, perry and apple juice competitions and an equally strong representation is expected again. Details of this year’s classes, together with the Best Cider Orchard Award, can be found on the Royal Bath & West website www.bathandwest.com. Entries must be submitted by 13th April.
The cider and food matching theme will be receiving more prominence this year and in tune with the culinary theme, the principal Judge of the competition will be Mark Hix, the celebrated Dorset chef and food writer, well known for his association with The Ivy, Caprice and Browns. There is a new International Class, Common Ground have offered a prize for the best cider or apple juice from a non-commercial orchard and, for a bit of fun, it is hoped we hope that Peers, MPs, MEPs and Princes of the Church will submit their own produce for the Parliamentary Cider competition!
Alastair Simms of Wadworths, the country’s last practicing Master Cooper, will be back and associated with him comes a new cider industry craftsman’s trophy, presented by the Coopers Company.
Cider and perry makers in Wales have planned a particularly full programme of events starting at the end of April which reflect the resurgence of interest in the Welsh industry in recent years and will appeal to anyone interested in all aspects of the crafts involved.
Everything from festivals to cidermaking demonstrations and apple identificati on is catered for in a very comprehensive range of activities right across the country.
APRIL
Sat 25th & Sun 26th
GWYNT Y DDRAIG OPEN WEEKEND
Llest Farm, Llantwit Fardre, Rhondda Cynon Taff
FREE ENTRY, Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 10am-7pm
Tours • tastings • cider bar • fresh food
07791 066240 • www.gwyntcider.com
• • • • •
MAY
Sat 23rd, Sun 24th and Mon 25th:
The WELSH PERRY AND CIDER FESTIVAL
The Clytha Arms, Nr Abergavenny, Monmouthshire,
Mid-day-11pm FREE ENTRY
The Welsh Perry and Cider Society’s premier event of the year, where you can try the craft perries and ciders of all its members.
01873 840206 • www.clytha-arms.com • www.welshcider.co.uk
• • • • •
JUNE
Fri 19th:
WELSH PERRY & CIDER DINNER
The Clytha Arms, Nr Abergavenny, Monmouthshire,
Five perries and ciders from the Welsh Perry and Cider Festival accompany this 5 course meal. Early booking recommended. 7pm-Close!
01873 840206 • www.clytha-arms.com
• • • • •
Fri 12th, Sat 13th & Sun 14th:
GREAT WELSH BEER AND CIDER FESTIVAL
Cardiff International Arena (CIA),
CF10 2EQ. 11am-11pm (admission: tbc)
Welsh draught & bottled cider and perry available.
• • • • •
AUGUST
Sat 8th & Sun 9th:
GWYNT Y DDRAIG OPEN WEEKEND
Llest Farm, Llantwit Fardre, Rhondda Cynon Taff
FREE ENTRY, Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 10am-7pm
Tours • tastings • cider bar • fresh food
07791 066240 • www.gwyntcider.com
• • • • •
Sat 16th & Sun 17th
Yr Afal Mawr
THE COUNTRYMAN 6th ANNUAL CIDER FESTIVAL
The Countryman Pub, Scurlage, Gower, Nr Swansea. FREE ENTRY, from mid-day.
Over 30 ciders, many from Welsh producers • Perries and Welsh meads • Food served all day • Live music in the bar both evenings • Apple-bobbing and children’s discos • Minibus service, pickup and return to local Gower destinations
Directions, festival & accomodation info: Mary 01792 390597 • 07970 766884
• • • • •
29th, 30th and 31st
THE West Wales Cider, Perry & Local Produce Festival
Haverfordwest Castle
Free entry, 12-7 Sat, 12-6 Sun
Crafts • live music • food • entertainment
Alan on 01437 768092 for details
• • • • •
SEPTEMBER
Sun 20th:
Farm to Fork Harvest Home
Great Trerhew Farm, Llanvetherine, Abergavenny NP7 8NE
2pm-7pm (tbc) Cost: (tbc)
3-course country meal accompanied by farm-pressed Perry with each course, in a magnificent Grade 2* medieval barn.
Further details and reservations from 01873 821268 • On B4521 between Llanvetherine church and 1861 restaurant Cross Ash.
• • • • •
OCTOBER
Sat 3rd - Sat 31st:
GWYL SEIDR & PERAI FESTIVAL
Blue Bell Inn, Rhosesmor Road, Halkyn,
Flintshire, N.E. Wales, CH8 8DL
Ciders and perries available throughout the month. Apple pressing on the last Saturday.
01352 780309 • www.BlueBell.uk.eu.org
• • • • •
Sat 3rd & Sun 4th:
ERDDIG APPLE FESTIVAL
Erddig Hall, Wrexham, North Wales
11am-5pm, Admission: Standard National Trust charge.
Cider-making demos • cider and perry bar • apple identification • displays
• • • • •
Sat 24th & Sun25th:
Apple Day
National History museum, St Fagans
Free entry, 10.00am - 5.00pm
(£2.50 parking fee for the whole day)
Matthew Davies 02920 573441
• • • • •
Sat 17th & Sun 18th:
CIDERMAKING WEEKEND
Gower Heritage Centre, Gower.
An exhibition of cidermaking, orchard tours and perry & cider available.
01792 371206 • www.gowerheritagecentre.co.uk
• • • • •
24th OCTOBER – 1st NOVEMBER:
APPLE DAYS, APPLE TREE SALES AND CIDER MAKING DEMONSTRATIONS
Llanerchaeron, Ciliau Aeron,
nr Aberaeron, Ceredigion SA48 8DG
Adult: £5.70, Child: £2.50
Cider making demos • apple identification • cider & perry products for sale.
01545 570200 / 01545 573024
print version
