Batlow CiderFest organisers are vowing to deliver a CiderFest to top all expectations this year. Final preparations for the hilltop event are underway as the May 20 street party date draws closer.
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Emerging as one of the region’s premier festivals, Batlow CiderFest has evolved from a small community event operating on a shoestring budget in 2012, to an event that transforms the tranquil streets of Batlow into a bustling hub. The festival celebrates not only the end of the apple harvest, but the town of Batlow itself.
Numbers converging upon the main streets of Batlow are expected to exceed 5,000 this year. Merry cider lovers, food buffs, grey nomads and festival fanatics should all look forward to being greeted by the popular Wacky Apple Tarts, dressed in traditional German maiden attire, whilst local artists will keep toes tapping.
The main streets of Batlow will be lined with long Oktoberfest-style trestle tables while local cider producers The Apple Thief, Batlow Premium Cider and Wilgro Orchards will be joined by cider makers from further afield to share their love for cider. The Tumut River Brewing Co will also be serving up their unique locally-developed brews.
CiderFest founder Harald Tietze said the importance of growing the event and retaining the original festival vibe remains at the forefront of the committee’s annual planning.
“People come to Batlow CiderFest year after year because they enjoy what is on offer, and they love the natural, hometown feel of the event.”
Wagga’s Zana Aerial Dance Academy will again perform amazing feats of gymnastics and traditional dance, as well as a large dose of circus skills. They will be joined by newcomers to the event, Coota Bollywood All Stars, a vibrant group of Bollywood dancers, and giving a sensational classical touch will be The String Family both on stage and busking.
Award winning Bush Poets including John Peel and Sue Pearce and the ever-entertaining Dick Sedgwick, who is also King of Batlow for the day as the Master of Ceremonies, will join a range of musical talents. See the youthful Rory Phillips, or local favourite Amiee Breward, fiddle ensemble the Rand Family, or rockers Harry Cleverdon and the Thunderdogs.
Garnering the support of locals over the years, CiderFest is also attracting visitors from further afield. It strives to achieve the major outcomes of growing the visitor economy and encouraging festival participants to stay a little longer or plan return visits to the region.
