Batlow cider festival

Australia’s rapidly growing cider industry knocks on Canberra’s back door this weekend. Batlow’s CiderFest includes a cider industry conference and happy hour on Friday 15 May, followed by a public street festival on Saturday.

Organisers say the conference – in its third year, and the only comparable event in Oceania – services apple and pear growers, juicing companies, cider makers and industry suppliers.

Delegates, led by the likes of keynote speaker Dr Andrew Lea (Harp Hill Cider UK) will consider the craft, science, business and politics of the industry.

However, the following day, Saturday 16 May, the cider theme opens up to all comers in Batlow’s CiderFest Street Festival. Throughout the day Pioneer Street offers ciders, local food and entertainment.

It’s only a two-and-a-half-hour drive to Batlow, so it could be a lovely outing for the weekend. See batlowciderfest.com.au for more info.

Copyright © Chris Shanahan 2015
First published 13 May 2015 in the Canberra Times