Thousands attend annual Bramley Apple Festival in Southwell

e.gilmore@newarkadvertiser.co.uk

Published: 06:00, 29 October 2024

Thousands of visitors descended on Southwell Minster on Saturday (October 26) to get a slice of the town’s apple celebrations.

The annual Bramley Apple Festival, now in its 31st year, saw more than 30 stallholders sell their wares in the cathedral, with live cookery demonstrations, activities in the town’s library and nearby National Trust property the Workhouse and Infirmary, as well as apple-themed refreshments and displays in the town’s shops and eateries.

As always the festival proved popular, with guests in attendance from as far afield as Japan — where the cooking apple is considered a delicacy.

Mitsuho Nakagomi, a student of Shizuoka University studying the Bramley Apple, Yuri Shotton, Celia Steven, great granddaughter of Henry Merryweather, and festival chairman Roger Merryweather, great grandson of Henry Merryweather.

Festival chairman Roger Merryweather said he was “delighted to see so many people” in the Minster, a sentiment which was echoed by Revd Canon Dr Neil Evans, interim Dean of Southwell.

He said: “It is a total delight to be here and welcome so many people to the Minster.”

Celia Steven, great granddaughter of Henry Merryweather, with paintings of the Bramley Apple Tree by artist Dan Llewlyn Hall, to raise money to help the university support the Bramley Tree.

The Bramley cooking apple was first grown in the town from a pip planted by Mary Ann Brailsford in the early 19th century, and was cultivated and sold by gardener Henry Merryweather.

Among the festivities was the crowning of the Bramley Apple King, Queen, Prince, and Princess — children from Lowes Wong Infant School and Children’s House nursery.

This year the titles went to Bo Johnson, 4; Aubrey Dixon, 6; Oscar Lee, 2; and Phoebe Gortler, 2, respectively.

Alison Evans of Delicut, Belper, with her paper cut art

Brammley Apple cookery demonstration by Teresa Bovey

Will Smith and his father Andrew Smith of Meatsmiths, Kneesall.

Southwell Minster volunteers Kevin and Amanda Hender.

Sarah Hepworth and Olivia Dennis of Norwood Park, with farm pressed juice.

There were more winners on the day, with Tim Coughlin and Martin Newbury crowned joint first in the apple pie baking competition, and Aspire and The Handicentre taking joint first in the shop window competition.

In second place was Burleys and Stoppards, and in third The Lovely Little Toyshop, Home Bake, and Minster Flowers.

There was a chance to see the original tree, which is now owned by Nottingham Trent University, on the day of the festival, or catch expert foodies’ free cookery demonstrations in the Minster, co-ordinated by Teresa Bovey.

Steve Benham, of Welbeck Abbey Brewery, with Christine and Paul Blaker.

Mariah McEntee of The Finest Fudge Ltd, with Nathan McGhan and Isabel Farr of Beeston

Sam and Jono Hatton of Daisy Farm Cider, Upton

Paul Barnett identifying apples for Terry and Lyn Reeves.

Veronica Boehm, of Radcliffe on Trent, looking at the apple display

Kate Webborn-Cooper, of Sherwood, with Chris and Liz Webborn, wearing hats made by Kate.

Apple expert Paul Barnett was also on hand with a massive display of more than 300 different heritage varieties of apples and pears, and was able to help visitors identify their own apples.

Roger Merryweather added: “We’re very grateful for the support we get which enables us to stage the festival, and this year in particular Newark and Sherwood District Council who are our principle sponsor.”

Human Interest Newark Southwell Eloise Gilmore