Brogdale rolls up its barn doors for barrels of scrumptious cider this weekend at its annual cider festival.

Local producers of artisan and specialist cider and perry will be popping by for visitors to get a taste of what they offer.

Producers from across the county including Kentish Pip, Turners, Kent Cider Company, Biddenden’s and Duddas Tun will be there, along with Tiddly Pomme, resident artisan cider producers, using Brogdale’s own apples from the National Fruit Collection, in their Woolly Pig.

The Cider Barn will offer more than 50 ciders to enjoy during the weekend, with cider sampling and tasting available all day, from lighter sparkling to fiery ginger flavours to classics made with traditional Cox and Bramley.

Visitors can follow the Cider Trail to find each of the producers for sampling and scoring and the people’s favourite will determine the Cider or Perry of the Festival. Last year’s coveted title went to Cherry Cider from Dudda’s Tun.

There will also be three stages of live music, activities for little festival-goers, eating competitions, kite flying and cider making demonstrations.

Headline acts including Rudy Warman and Hullabaloo, while the Old Country Crows and Jumbo Gumbo will have visitors swinging their pants on the Festival Field.

Entertainment also on offer includes archery, pig racing, wellie wanging and trifle eating, while visitors feeling peckish can try a hog roast, halloumi burgers, crepes, jambalaya, churros and hotdogs.

Other stalls will offer freshly ground coffee, milkshakes and for non-cider drinkers, Prosecco or Pimms.

Local craft stalls will offer a range of Kentish produce and young visitors can make willow wands in the craft tent, or make a kite.

DETAILS

Brogdale Cider Festival is on Saturday, August 26 and Sunday, August 27 between 10am and 5pm both days. Entry on the gate is £9 and £5 for children. Dogs on leads are allowed at the festival but not in the orchards. For details go to brogdalecollections.org A free shuttle bus will be running from Faversham mainline train station to Brogdale throughout the weekend.