VISITORS to the Putley area near Ledbury will soon realise what a blooming lovely place it is, with an annual spring celebration of orchard culture and all things apple.

This year’s Big Apple ‘Blossomtime’ event will take place on Sunday May 5 and Monday May 6, and large crowds as always are expected.

A spokesman said: “Deep in rural Herefordshire, Putley is waiting patiently for the blossom to appear as it prepares for the annual celebration of its orchards.

“Blossomtime in Putley is centred on a cider tasting in the parish hall, based on entries from the Big Apple Cider and Perry Trials with well over 100 ciders and perries expected to be available to taste.”

The spokesman added: “Together with its surrounding parishes, Putley is famous for its orchards. Visitors can walk through the orchards, taste the ciders, enjoy a home-made lunch or tea – and discover for themselves why orchards are such special places and apples matter to us all.

“Norman Stanier’s great grandfather Harry Taylor could have told people a thing or two about that. He was the overseer on the Putley Court Estate nearly 150 years ago when acres of orchards – or plantations – were established in the parish. On the Monday morning, Norman will be telling the ‘overseer’s tale’ and sharing the secret of ‘Thrown Hat’ cider.

“Putley will also be welcoming some special guests. On the Sunday morning, authors and cidermakers Susanna Forbes, Gabe Cook and Simon Day will be giving their thoughts on whether Herefordshire has more to learn from, or to give to, the New World when it comes to cidermaking. Talks will take place at Dragon Orchard at 11am.”

There are also visits to The Juice to learn about the secret life of Pixley Berries.

The spokesman added: “And just up the road, Helen and Andrew Riga will welcome visitors to Yew Tree Farm to taste their single variety perries. Dancing from Leominster Morris and music from Fiddlers Two add the final touches to a special countryside experience.”

Full details are available at www.bigapple.org.uk