Over 700 people have helped continue the tradition of hand-picking apples from the orchard at the National Trust’s Killerton estate, in time to be pressed at Killerton’s Apple Festival on 13 and 14 October. Thanks to hundreds of helping hands they were able to pick approximately 6 tonnes of apples, ready for the start of the cider and apple making season.

The apples are harvested then pressed on a 200-year-old cider press during the event to make the estate’s award winning cider and apple juice, which people can see being made at the apple festival this weekend. Killerton is home to 50 acres of traditional orchards and 100 apple varieties, some with quirky names like ‘Hangy Down,’ ‘Slack-ma-girdle’ and ‘Veitch's Wonder.’

As the last apples are collected, the National Trust invites visitors to attend the Killerton Apple festival, this year taking place on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 October, amongst the apple trees. It’s a chance to celebrate the harvest, enjoy the cider and apple juice, and raise awareness of the conservation value of traditional orchards.

A wonderful family favourite, this year the festival will feature children’s activities, magic and juggling, willow weaving, family trails and live music.

Visitors can bring their own apples to press into juice, witness the 200 year old cider press in action, try archery, browse the stalls in the orchard and taste great food from the Killerton estate.

The festival takes place on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 October, opening at 10am and running until 5pm. Adult entry costs £8, and children £4. National Trust members and under 5’s are free. For more information visit: nationaltrust.org.uk/Killerton