Join us in celebrating Chipping Campden’s first Apple Fest!

First Apple Fest for Chipping Campden

Chipping Campden’s first Apple Fest will take place on National Apple Day, Saturday, October 21, from 10am-4pm. Join local charities, Campden Home Nursing and The Campden Society in Wolds End Orchard and Jecca’s House, Aston Road, to celebrate the not-so-humble apple. There will be fun for all the family, including live music, food and drink-themed all things appley, as well as children’s activities, such as pumpkin and face-painting. 

Jecca’s House, the headquarters for Campden Home Nursing, will also be open for visitors. The house offers both a sanctuary and invaluable support for those with a life-limiting illness, their carers and the bereaved.  

Helen Makaritis, CEO of Campden Home Nursing, says, ‘Since opening Jecca’s House in late 2020, we have always held an open day so people can wander through the house and garden and find out how they can access our free services. This year, we thought we’d collaborate with our neighbours, Wolds End Orchard, to have a day with a festival feel, that helps raise valuable funds for the charity and the Orchard.’

Boe-Jigge is a newly formed five-piece band, comprising harp, cello, fiddle, mandolin/guitar and bodhran players, who will be playing at Apple Fest. With several formally-trained members, it's got classical and romantic elements, is folky but very polished and carefully arranged (Image: Boe-Jigge)Julianne Davis, vice chair of The Campden Society says, ‘Traditionally, Apple Day is held in October as a national celebration of the British apple. It was launched in 1990 by Common Ground.  After successful Apple Day events in Wolds End Orchard over the past two years, we are delighted that the event is now expanding in collaboration with neighbouring Jecca’s House. Apple Day – or Apple Fest as we’re calling it this year – is a festivity of variety and diversity: not only of apples and orchards, but also our beautiful landscapes, ecology, culture and communities.’

Foodies won’t be disappointed; pork baps with apple sauce will be served at Jecca’s House. Chutneys, cider, local honey, and cakes and bakes featuring all things appley will also be on sale. 

Apple Day is a national celebration of the British apple (Image: Duncan Andison/Getty Images)In the orchard, the Steve Oram from PTES (People’s Trust for Endangered Species) is back by popular demand, after his successful visit last year helping visitors identify mystery apples from their gardens. Visitors are invited to bring three or four apples from the tree you wish to identify (with some stalk and leaf too) and Steve will help satisfy your curiosity. You can pick your own apples and pears on the day and there may even be an opportunity to join in some apple pressing. For those who love a challenge, Longest Peel Competition returns – can you beat last year’s winning entry, at 2m 41cm? 

If you’re on the look-out for Christmas gifts, there will be a range of bird tables, butterfly and bee houses made by the Men (and ladies) in Sheds – a partnership between Cotswold Friends and Jecca’s House, which takes place every Tuesday and Thursday. 

Please note, there is no parking on site. Visitors are asked to park at nearby Campden High School.

For more information, visit campdenhomenursing.org