Apple Day returns with a twist!

Oswestry Apple Day 2013 will be bigger and better say organisers as they urge more local growers to get involved.

This year they will be joining forces with community growing initiative, Incredible Edible, to celebrate not just apples but local produce growing in all its shapes and forms. Apple Day and Home-Grown Oswestry will take place on October 19 alongside the usual Saturday street market.

Co-organising the event are Cambrian Railway Orchard Project (CROP) and high street support group, OSCO, together with Oswestry Incredible Edible and Oswestry Town Market. Apples will take centre stage on the Bailey Head with a range of activities and stalls dedicated to apple pressing, growing, baking, related crafts and children's attractions.

Alongside this, the organisers are aiming to create a vibrant display of locally raised produce, from apples and artichokes to potatoes and parsnips, with the help of home-growers, community gardens, allotment groups, local orchards and farms.  "Whether you are growing herbs in a window box, rejuvenating neglected patches of ground with community planting, or farming speciality produce, you are welcome to get involved "said Giuliana Becciu of CROP.

The event is also linking up with Oswestry Makes, a new festival celebrating creativity with textiles in a range of workshops and exhibitions running October 12 to 19. The Oswestry Makes organisers will be interpreting apples in textiles as one of its themes in a co-promotion with Apple Day.

In a similar format to last year, which featured films and a choir performing the song cycle Supermarket on the Bailey Head, the day will finish with an evening of live music. Organised by Neil Phillips of Eclectic, 'Folk in the Square' will showcase the music of the area's international community.

Co-organiser, Kate Clarke, said: "In this tough economic climate, there is renewed interest in self-sufficiency - growing your own, home cooking, home crafts, and communities coming together. This will be reflected in the creative spirit tying through this year's apple day.

Market traders, shops, cafes, pubs and other town businesses are also being encouraged to join in with apple themed food, products and window displays.

Anyone interested in a stall or showing produce at Apple/Home-Grown day should contact David Clough on 07764 772969 or Oswestry Incredible Edible on ieoswestry@gmail.com.

Enquiries about 'Folk in the Square' can be made to Neil Phillips on 07751 670576.