In news to no one, Bristol loves cider. So who’s going to stop the city from naming itself the ‘Cider Capital of the World’? With a brand-new, city-wide celebration of the UK’s finest independent, craft cider and perry kicking off this weekend, there’s never been a better time to do so.
Cider City is set to be a week-long event that combines a block party (July 26) along historic King Street with a city-wide cider trail (July 25 to August 3) encompassing many of Bristol’s most iconic venues (And forms part of Bristol Cider Week). So prepare to raise a glass to Bristol’s favourite drink in 20+ drinking holes!
“We want to build the ‘Oktoberfest’ of cider right here in Bristol, firmly establishing our city as the undisputed Cider Capital of the World,” said Cider City organiser, Ed Gibson, of Bristol’s very own Branch Cider. “Bristol has been at the heart of British cider for centuries and is surrounded by orchards growing the finest cider apples on the planet. So where better to build the world’s biggest cider & perry festival?”
What’s happening this weekend?
The King Street celebration on Saturday sees the whole street partake with tap takeovers, DJs, and festivities, plus the official Cider City bar is hosted by Bristol Old Vic—where High Sheriff, Kalpna Woolf, will declare Bristol as the ‘Cider Capital of the World’ at 8 pm, followed by Bristol party band Total Clusterfunk.
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, added: added: “The West is known around the world for our culture – and that includes our cider. It’s part of our past and present and, thanks to producers like Ed and venues in Bristol and beyond, our future.
“How we tell our story as a region is really important, and we know that cider always helps with that! As someone who gave out local cider for my wedding favours, I’m among those of us who already think of the West as the Cider Capital of the World – so I know that this weekend’s declaration will be warmly welcomed.”
Bristol’s cider lovers will be free to explore the whole city for world-class cider, however, with venues from BS1 to BS16 taking part. Showcasing a wide selection of independent craft cider across nine days, the likes of The Orchard Inn, Mother’s Ruin, Old Market Assembly, Kask, The Cider Box and more are taking part. An online interactive Cider Trail map will also be available here.