CROWDS flocked to Headless Cross recently as the annual Apple Day celebrations took place at the community orchard. 

The event, which celebrates the humble apple, was jam-packed with local food, live music, games, stalls and the freshest juice. 

Orchard volunteer Alistair Waugh said: "It was fantastic; from festive corn dollies to toffee apples and cider, there were lots of things to do.

"The entertainment was outstanding and despite some pretty sour-faced gurners, everyone looked to be having a fruitful time.

"It's great just to see people having so much fun. I think we're putting the heart back into our community, one bite at a time."

Redditch mayor Pattie Hill unveiled a painting by local artist Steve Pound and judged a homemade cider contest. 

Local musicians The Uke Men League, Spoz, Garth and Parise, and Pete Delaney performed throughout the day and traditional entertainment was put on by Morris dancers Nancy Butterfly and the Shakespeare Mummers. 

The ‘worst male and lady gurner’ titles were awarded to Mark Southam and Lucy Hicks-Kenward. 

The 1st Matchborough Scouts helped raise funds on the hoopla stall, whilst Headless Cross Girl Guides worked alongside The Everywoman's Circle to make bunting for next year's May fair on the Green.

This year organisers, Headless Cross Community Orchard, launched their own cider and a demonstration of pole lathe, a traditional woodworking machine powered by foot, was carried out by Tom Dillon.

The event took place on Saturday, October 3. 

For more infomation visit headlessxorchard.org.uk or join the Facebook group Headless Cross Green.