What’s On
A listing of annual events held in “Ledburyshire”
Life is a little different at present so some of the annual events listed below may continue to be at the mercy of Covid-19 restrictions in 2021.
If you are planning a trip to Tinsmiths here are some of the great shows, festivals and events that happen every year within easy reach of Ledbury. For times, tickets and full information follow the links to the organiser’s website. To find some of the temporary exhibitions, one-off events, shows or to find holiday accommodation we suggest looking at eatsleepliveherefordshire.co.uk, visitherefordshire.co.uk or visitthemalverns.co.uk
Why not make a mini-holiday of your visit and explore the beautiful surrounding countryside?
January
Much Marcle Wassail – Traditionally held on the twelfth night after Christmas, the English tradition of wassailing is performed in orchards to ward off evil-spirits and awaken the apple trees from their Winter slumbers. The annual Westons Cider wassail is led by the Silurian Morris who bless the apple trees to ensure a good harvest for cider making in the year ahead. Wrap up warm and enjoy the spectacle.
March
Borderlines Film Festival – Held in mid-March, the festival offers three weeks of amazing screenings from around the world across Shropshire, Herefordshire and The Marches
The Cheltenham Gold Cup Week – Held each year in the middle of March this is the climax of the entire jump racing season and an event with tremendous atmosphere.
Kempley Daffodil Weekends – In March and early April the fields, woods and verges between the villages of Newent, Kempley and Dymock become carpeted with the small, pale yellow bobbing heads of a myriad of wild daffodils. The area, known as the Golden Triangle, becomes the backdrop to a series of organised walks, afternoon teas and events relating to the Dymock Poets, who were famously inspired by the area, to celebrate this delightful natural wonder.
April
Malvern Flea and Collectors Fair – Easter Monday in the Malvern Hills is coloured by the arrival of a stream of traders heading towards the Three Counties Showground to set out their stalls. Be sure to have many hours allocated for this immense display of furniture, collectibles and bric-a-brac for sale.
May
The Big Apple Association is a community run group, centred around the apple-growing area close to Ledbury. Much of the produce is used to make cider and perry. The Association runs a festival to mark blossomtime and harvest each year with lots of activities (including much tasting) for all ages.
The RHS Spring Festival is held around the middle of May and is one of the earliest gardening shows for the RHS. The Malvern Showground is blazing in spring colour and ideas for the growing season.
The Hay Literary Festival is one of the UK’s most established literary festivals and encompasses a huge range. Having a brilliant programme of talks, children’s events and live music it is usually held at end of May to the first week of June.
Malvern Walking Festival is nine days of themed walks in and around the Malvern Hills.
July
Ledbury Poetry Festival– the biggest international celebration of poetry and spoken word in the UK. The festival, which runs for ten days from early July, is an excellent excuse for Ledbury to become swathed in bunting as it plays host to a great range of events in and around the town.
The Royal Welsh Show is a celebration of rural life set in stunning scenery at Builth Wells. Held for four days, midweek, third week of July.
The Three Choirs Festival is a week-long programme of choral and orchestral concerts, cathedral services, solo and chamber music recitals, masterclasses, talks, theatre, exhibitions and walks, rotating each summer between the beautiful English cathedral cities of Hereford, Gloucester and Worcester.
August
Herefordshire Country Fair – a family day out which celebrates and showcases the best food produce, crafts and local businesses from around the county. Amongst the many attractions you can expect vintage vehicles, rural craft demonstrations and racing terriers.
The Hereford Indie Food Festival is held in the centre of Hereford over August Bank Holiday weekend and includes a programme of talks, suppers and live music. You will be surprised at the number of independent food producers working in Herefordshire.
September
Heritage Open Days – every September some 40,000 volunteers across England organise 5,000 events to celebrate our fantastic history and culture. It’s your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences.
The arrival of h.Art peppers the county in pink flags and signs for a period of nine days in early September. The event is held at over 100 venues throughout Herefordshire and includes open studios, exhibitions, workshops and demonstrations and offers the visitor access to the work of over 175 artists each year. It is also a great excuse to explore more of Herefordshire.
October
The Trumpet and District Agricultural Society have held ploughing matches in “Ledburyshire” since before the second world war, often hosting international competitions. As you’d expect the matches are held at the beginning of October and include the annual fruit show. Lots of fun, masses of skill and some horse teams too.
The Big Apple Association is a community run group, centred around the apple-growing area close to Ledbury. Much of the produce is used to make cider and perry. The Association runs a festival to mark blossom time and harvest each year with lots of activities (including much tasting) for all ages.
The Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival has a huge list of talks by writers, comedians, historians and celebrities on all sorts of topics and includes a programme for young adults. Held at the beginning to mid. October in the centre of the town.