As revellers begin to invade Somerset for a certain June music festival, Nether Stowey will be the place for connoisseurs of Cider and Cheese who’d rather a tipple and a nibble of Somerset’s finest exports than some muddy musical escapades.
Making an eagerly anticipated return, the 2013 Somerset Cider and Cheese Festival will feed and entertain festival-goers with cheese, cider and other fine Somerset produce throughout the weekend. So popular was last year’s Festival, in fact, that tickets started selling within 4 minutes of going live, according to festival organiser Nadine Isaac of Quantock Events.
“We knew last year’s festival was a great success but we were still surprised at just how quickly the tickets started selling. Looking to outdo ourselves this year, we’ve introduced a number of elements including an additional day of indulgence on Sunday, while Saturday will feature some great bands including The Martin Harley Band and the Mangled Wurzels.”
Attracting particular interest this year is the new Sunday Slowdown on the 23rd June, where tens of producers from across the county will gather, helping hungry families and foodies indulge in the finest of food and drink. Certainly one for the diary, the hog roasts, cider, cheese, cream teas, Somerset pies and other scrummy produce including cheesy balls should go down well, while Apolo Jazz supply live music.
The main festival day on Saturday will feature live music from 6 bands, while cheese lovers will revel in the stuff thanks to local Cheddar maker Cricketer Farm. They’ll have their award winning Nether Stowey Reserve and Quantock Gold Cheddars on show, with the Exmoor Blue Cheese Company bringing along their delicious hand-crafted creations using the freshest of milk from local herds. In total more than 30 cheese varieties will be there for visitors to try and buy.
What would the Festival be though without some masters of cider, including Glastonbury based Orchard Pig whose draught and bottled ciders are not to be sniffed at. They will be accompanied by Steve and Alistair from Tricky Cider with the finest of tipples from Sheppy’s available too, giving cider lovers and connoisseurs every excuse to descend on Nether Stowey.
To accompany the sunshine and views over the Quantock Hills, Saturday’s line up of bands will get people moving, headlined by The Martin Harley Band playing popular blues and folk oriented music. PUNKS NOT DADS will then inject the Festival with songs about sheds, feeding babies and failed DIY projects, all delivered in the true punk spirit of ’77. Smoking Gun’s high-energy mix of modern-day rock, along with other covers going back to the 70s will get people moving, with the Rattlesnakes taking charge in their award winning style. Finally, gracing the stage will be Mangled Wurzels who’ll provide the perfect Glastonbury warm-up, just without the mud and queues!
Those camping overnight at Quantock Lakes can park on-site but day visitors can look forward to specially laid-on tractor rides to and from Cricketer Farm’s headquarters. Well…what else would you expect?!
Despite all the planned indulgence, it’s not just about good food and drink, according to Cricketer Farm MD Greg Parsons.
“The Festival is a great chance to enjoy locally crafted produce but we’re also aiming to draw people from across the region, showcasing Nether Stowey and the Quantock Hills for everything it offers, especially for hungry foodies. By working together with Quantock Events we are helping put Nether Stowey on the foodie map, with the Festival right at its heart.”
The Somerset Cider and Cheese Festival 2013 returns on the 22nd & 23rd June. Located at Quantock Lakes, Nether Stowey, tickets are now on sale from www.somersetciderandcheesefest.co.uk. Tickets start from £20 with camping, family and group tickets also available.
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