Published on 20th April, 2015
Last year’s competition attracted over 650 entries, predominantly from the West Country, but with all the main cider-making regions of Britain strongly represented, and with the renaissance in artisan ciders, both traditional and modern, continuing, the organisers are expecting even more this time.
“It may be only in its second year, but the British Cider Championships is already becoming the blue riband event for both craft and commercial cider-makers”, says Anthony Gibson, Orchards and Cider Chairman.
“We welcome all entries, whether they are from the smallest back-yard cider maker, or the largest commercial producers, and if anyone hasn’t entered yet but is thinking about it, there is still time. Full details and entry forms can be found on the Royal Bath and West website.
“The Championships not only show off the very best of British cider to the tens of thousands of people who come to the Bath and West each year, they also act as a key driver in raising standards right across the industry.”
This year’s Orchards and Cider will be staged in a new, larger marquee, just across the avenue from the previous site, and visitors will be able to take advantage of both covered and open-air picnic areas to enjoy a glass of cider and a selection of top quality local food.
Besides the British Cider Championship, the Orchards and Cider exhibition includes a range of trade stands, selling cider-making equipment and traditional cider mugs, cider-making demonstrations, tutored cider tasting session, the People’s Choice ‘judge-it-yourself’ competition and, of course, a cider bar offering a wider range of top quality ciders than can be found at any other agricultural show in the land.
“Visitors can find out everything they need to know about growing apples and making cider at Orchards and Cider”, says Mr Gibson, “and, just as important, they can have a lot of fun in the process.”