ONE thousand visitors flocked to a weekend-long celebration of apples at Burton Manor.
The Friends of Burton Manor hosted the event on October 20 and 21 to coincide with Apple Day.
The orchard manager at Burton Manor organised a display of apple varieties supplied by local gardeners, orchard groups and a display of apples through the ages supplied by Glyn Smith, head gardener of Erddig.
Visitors tasted 35 different varieties of apple, juice straight from an apple press and on the Saturday an expert identified unknown apples, with little known varieties such as shepherd’s pippin cropping up.
Gordale Nurseries had a stand giving advice on fruit growing and special offers on trees.
Local groups involved included Willaston Community Orchard, Brimstage Orchard, Wirral Wildlife, RSPB Burton Wetlands, Cheshire Landscape Trust and Wirral Beekeepers who had a display hive on show.
A company of local archers was on hand to demonstrate their age-old art.
Local producers included Eddisbury fruit farm, Backford Belles ice cream, Can do Cupcakes, Simply Relish, and HS Bournes Cheshire Cheese as well as Soy Candles and hog-roast.
The organisers said that the feedback from exhibitors, producers and visitors was that the festival was enhanced by the historic surroundings and the fine autumn weather.
Pete Steepe, of the Friends of Burton Manor, said: “Due to the overwhelming interest shown in horticulture, wildlife, country crafts and locally produced food and of course the Great British Apple we hope to put on an even better show next year although it will be very difficult to exceed the total of 104 varieties of apples.”
