HUNDREDS of visitors flocked to Headless Cross Green on Bank Holiday Monday to enjoy the May Fayre, the sunshine and the blossoming orchard.
As chilled apple juice and cider flowed, dozens of food, community and craft stalls provided a warm welcome to visitors.
With a fanfare from French horn ensemble Hornymental starting the event, Arrow Valley Brass Band followed providing the perfect accompaniment to the maypole dancing from Headless Cross Brownies.
Borough Mayor Jenny Wheeler was on hand to unveil a collection of watercolour paintings from the orchard’s artist in residence Liz Jennings.
Artist Steve Pound was also on hand to do some face painting, including his trademark watertower on several visitors.
Poet Spoz kept the crowd entertained and families enjoyed the ‘Apple Olympics’ featuring tug-of-war, sack racing and a photo finish for the egg and spoon race.
Gardeners delighted in the plant swap. And as usual, the Amazing Human Fruit Machine was in fine fruitful fettle.
Budding bodgers were treated to a pole lathe demonstration, turning cherry wood into chair legs.
Orchard volunteer Alistair Waugh said: “What a fruitful scorcher! And thanks to everyone involved. None of this is possible without volunteers.
“Our next event is Apple Day in October. We’d love to hear from anyone interested in helping us out.”
To join the ‘core group’ of volunteers for Apple Day or to find out more search for Headless Cross Orchard online.
