BEWDLEY has been famous for its cherry orchards for almost two centuries and the town will celebrate the fruit with its annual Cherry Fair.

The free annual fair, which will be held on Saturday, July 25, and Sunday, July 26, will take place in and around Bewdley Museum and the Jubilee Gardens from 11am to 4pm.

Visitors can enjoy live music, food and activities throughout the weekend.

Bewdley Museum will welcome the Palace of Curiosities on the Saturday, exhibiting a unique Victorian side show, while the Groove Diggers will be performing on the Sunday.

Cherry activities for children will be available including face painting and a cherry hunt. Locally grown cherries will also be on sale.

There will be a chance to learn about the history of Bewdley’s Cherry Fair and the distribution of the cherry trade across Britain, both past and present.

Brian Stephens, organiser of the fair, said: “The small district around Bewdley and Wyre Forest, became, apart from Kent, the largest centre for cherry production, being ideally placed for rail distribution.

“Cherries prefer well-drained soil, suitable temperature regime with winter cold chill, and moisture.

“Locally, the many small-holdings with well-drained sloping fields, not suitable as arable land, provided profitable for orchards.

“In reviving the Bewdley Cherry Fair, albeit in a very modest way, we are hoping to generate interest in cherries and awareness among local people, of different cherry varieties and flavours.”

It is believed that cherry fairs in the town have dated back to at least 1817 where it was also held on July 26, a fair day granted by King Edward IV in 1472.

Cherry fairs were re-established in the town to help generate interest back into the fruit and inform the public about the old varieties of cherry grown locally

Councillor Sally Chambers, Wyre Forest District Council cabinet member for health, well-being and housing, said: “There is plenty going on at this free event such as live music, dance performances and activities for children.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to embrace the history of our local town.”

The Shambles Cafe, located in the heart of the Bewdley Museum will be open, serving hot and cold food, drinks and cakes.