Preparations underway for this year’s Cider Festival

The annual festival, which is sponsored by Ogier, celebrates the Island’s history of cider making and takes place on Saturday and Sunday, 19-20 October.

Nicky Lucas, Jersey Heritage’s Community Events Curator, said: “We love holding this annual event that celebrates our Island’s history of cider making and is always a favourite with Islanders and visitors alike. La Faîs’sie d’Cidre brings together the community, volunteers and apple and cider experts to create a unique Jersey experience in the beautiful surroundings of Hamptonne. As always, there will be lots to do, things to learn, people to meet and fun to be had!

The two-day cider making festival is on from 10am-5pm each day and includes live music, entertainers, creative activities, dance and delicious food. As well as sampling last year’s cider, festivalgoers will be able to support the cider making volunteers as, with the help of working horses, they produce cider for next year’s festival. Two pressings will take place each day from 10am-12pm and 2pm-4pm. By the end of the weekend, 160 sacks of cider making apples will have been pressed.

Nicky added: “Whether you come with family or friends, there is something for the whole community to enjoy, from sampling freshly pressed apple juice or last year’s vintage in the Cider Barn and wandering through the beautiful grounds of Hamptonne to soak up the festival atmosphere, to guessing the weight of the pumpkin, dancing in the courtyard or taking part in nature activities in the orchard.”

Kate Kirk, Ogier’s Marketing Director, said: “Throughout 2024, Ogier has partnered with Jersey Heritage to offer a series of family learning events and activities. La Faîs’sie d’Cidre not only celebrates a rich part of Jersey history, but it turns the tradition into an experience that everyone can be a part of, which keeps Jersey’s traditions alive.”

Usual entry fees to Hamptonne apply for La Faîs’sie d’Cidre. Entry is free for Jersey Heritage Members and children under the age of six. More information about La Faîs’sie d’Cidre can be found at www.jerseyheritage.org.

• Parking is limited at Hamptonne and festivalgoers are encouraged to catch the free ‘Apple Bus’ from Liberation Square in St Helier, which will be running at regular intervals, or to make other transport arrangements.