The Blackmoor estate turned into a pomaceous paradise last Sunday as it played host to the annual Blackmoor Apple Tasting Day, drawing a staggering crowd of almost 4,000 core-ious attendees. <br />The orchard extravaganza has promised a day of free fruity fun for apple aficionados of all ages for some 50 years, and the highlight was, once again, the apple tasting itself. <br />Attendees sank their teeth into a variety of juicy specimens straight from the boughs of Blackmoor’s finest trees. From cabaret’s crisp bite to the cameo’s sweet symphony, and the tang of a James Grieve, visitors were able to try a host of varieties not seen on your average supermarket shelf.<br />And for those brae-burning to know what that apple growing in their garden is, apple experts were on hand to identify mystery pommes. Pumpkins, fruit and apple trees were also available to buy.<br />And for those looking to sip and savour, the refreshment tent offered Blackmoor Orchards’ very own apple and cherry ciders, juices and perry – while Bowmans also brought along some real ales for those more inclined to hops.<br />Horse and cart rides trotted in, have-a-go bell ringing sessions were led by Alton & Petersfield District Bellringers, Alton Morris got everyone jingling and banging sticks, and a climbing wall elevated the excitement to new heights.<br />Furry and scaly friends made appearances too, as farm animals and reptiles took centre stage – including a selection of heathland critters courtesy of Amphibian and Reptile Conservation.<br />Phoenix Arts led storytelling sessions, a food hall tempted visitors with a wide array of local produce and a rural crafts barn was abuzz with creativity.<br />The local Scouts troupe also ran a barbecue, toffee apples were sold in aid of Blackmoor Village Hall and other stalls offered the chance to win everything from a bag of logs to a wheelbarrow of booze.
