9th September – 11th September 2016, Penhallow, Cornwall

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This weekend saw Little Orchard Cider & Music Festival return to the beautiful grounds of Healey’s Cyder Farm for three days of live music, delicious ciders, mouth-watering food and unexpected surprises. With spectacular headline sets from Reef, Land of the Giants and Mad Dog Mcrea, the magical event celebrated a record number of ticket sales to what has swiftly become the best Little Orchard Cider & Music Festival to date.

Welcoming thousands of guests through its gates for the fourth year, Little Orchard Cider and Music Festival enjoyed a sell-out weekend of sunshine and blue skies. Sharing its charm with families and groups of friends alike, the much-loved festival once again made an unforgettable mark. Headlining on Saturday night and drawing an enormous crowd, was the eagerly anticipated Reef. True to style, the beloved band went down a storm thanks to an incredible set that took fans back over ten years.

Festival organiser Ben Hall said: “This weekend was the first time that Little Orchard has fully sold out. The festival has dramatically grown in popularity and it was a pleasure to welcome guests both old and new. This year’s headline acts have been incredible and it was great to have Reef play on Saturday night. Gary Stringer has always supported the festival playing various solo sets for us over years and so it was the icing on the cake having the full band here playing together.”

For those wanting to hear new music from across the region, the weekend was packed with a host of extraordinary performances from upcoming artists on the BBC Introducing Stage. Showcasing under the radar musicians, the dedicated platform was bigger and better than ever, with local artists leaving a true imprint on captivated audiences. This year acts included King Creature, Auction for the Promise Club, Martin Harley, Louis Elliot & The Embers, The Claze and Honey.

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Hidden within the trees and brambles, Dobbins and her Apple Bobbins team could be found hosting the infamous Secret Cider Walks. Gathered around a table made from hay bales, groups of cider lovers enjoyed an evening of pairings with delicious local produce and home baked sausage rolls.

On Saturday and Sunday the Golden Delicious Dance Emporium came alive with morning Yoga Sessions, Circus Workshops from the Swamp Circus Trust, Comedy Hours presented by MJ Walker and the late night Silent Disco. Images of children and teens learning to juggle and spinning tops filled the tent from midday, whilst experienced stilt walkers in eye-catching fancy dress could be spotted circling the festival grounds.

Bringing revellers hours of entertainment late afternoon, the dedicated arts stage hosted a selection of comedians from Cornwall and beyond, including Wayne the Weird, Suzy Bennett, Tom Glover and Maggy Whitehouse.

Little Orchards best kept secret, Granny Hubbard’s Funky Cupboard, had festival guests talking throughout the weekend as word quickly spread about a hidden party that was located behind a Narnia inspired wardrobe door. Navigating through a giant closet filled with blouses and knitwear, partygoers soon found themselves in a world of teacups, custard cream biscuits, Werther’s Originals and pear drops. Sporting stockings, walking sticks and the classic blue rinse, staff members inside were in full character serving drinks from china teapots as DJ’s from Upstairs Downstairs were spinning vinyl.

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Sunday afternoon welcomed the newly added pig-racing event, which saw children and parents gather in the masses in an attempt to secure the best seat at the race. With the opportunity to bet on the fastest looking competitor, crowds could be heard cheering far and wide.

Hidden amongst the rolling Cornish hills, real life Hobbit Huts provided a welcoming retreat for tired family festivalgoers. Equipped with a comfortable bed, heating, lighting and a boot stand for muddy wellies, the handcrafted huts were the perfect place to renew festival sparkle.

Kernow Springs provided a relaxing sanctuary for those looking to be pampered and enjoy a glass fizz. Featuring wood fire hot tubs, a sauna yurt and a Bedouin’ chill out lounge, the eco spa area was the perfect place to unwind.

As the festival gates came to closing for another year, one of Cornwall’s finest up and coming bands, Land of the Giants, gave Little Orchard the perfect send-off, delivering a foot stomping performance that had dedicated partygoers on their feet for the final hour.

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Plans are already in place for 2017 when Little Orchard Cider & Music Festival will once again descend upon Healey’s stunning Cyder Farm. For further information please visit

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