When we moved back to Fowey in Cornwall some years ago, one of our best discoveries was the Lostwithiel’s Cider Festival. Every October we would spend the day sampling home grown ciders, listening to live music and generally soaking up all that is lovely about living in a Cornish community. The highlight was always the Amateur Cider Makers competition, and when our good friend James from the Fowey Aquarium took home first prize in October 2015, naturally we were over the moon and didn’t plot for one minute on how we could beat him next year.
Roll on 2016 – and we were shocked and horrified to find that there was no Lostwithiel Cider Festival. Well, remembering that necessity is the mother of invention – what were we to do? Set up our own of course!
And hence the Fowey Cider and Cheese Festival was born – the cheese being an addition to provide a ploughmans lunch for our thirsty punters. A three-cheese platter no less, from Whalesborough Cheese in Bude. We were also lucky enough to have Tom Hanson, a cheese legend in these parts, offering tastes of dozens of artisan cheeses. What Tom doesn’t know about cheese isn’t worth knowing!
Plus bread from Fowey’s renowned Quay Bakery with Fowey Valley Cider Chutney. Fabulous fare and all sourced from the South West.
15 Best of British Ciders were handpicked by Barrie from Fowey Valley Cider – perhaps best known for his delicious champagne cider – so there was certainly a wide selection to try.
The judging of the amateur cider making contest was a close run thing, with an amazing 12 entries. We may have come second, can’t quite remember…
This year the 2nd Fowey Cider (and Cheese?) Festival takes place on Sat 3 June in Fowey Town Hall – the end of summer half term. (We’re still debating the food pairing, hence the ? after Cheese – may do cheese again, may do pork pies… we’ll let you know!)
Sponsors this year are Love Fowey, Fowey Aquarium, Lazy Jack’s, Lifebuoy Café and local cider lover Chris Wills. To find out more visit our Facebook Page
And if you think you’re in with a chance of taking home first prize as 2017 Amateur Cider Maker – let’s see what you’ve got!
