A juicy day out: Hayfield’s apple celebration returns this October

The community group Sustainable Hayfield will be hosting their much-loved Hayfield Apple Day on Saturday 18th October at Hayfield Primary School.

Each year, the event brings together the community in a joyful celebration of the humble English apple. From apple juicing to bluegrass music, energy-saving advice to cider tasting, and clog dancing to face painting, there’s something for everyone. The day also features market stalls, storytelling sessions, an autumn art display by Hayfield Artists, a repair café, tree planting and plenty of fun and games for children. And of course, no Apple Day would be complete without homemade pies, soup, and cakes galore! 

“It’s always a busy but friendly day, and for many people in Hayfield - especially the children - it’s their favourite day of the year” said organisers from Sustainable Hayfield. “We’re really looking forward to welcoming everyone back for another fantastic afternoon.” 

This year’s programme promises a wonderful mix of activities, entertainment, and sustainability-themed events. 

Apple activities include traditional apple pressing, where visitors can try their hand at juicing and sample the fresh results. Children can enjoy creative apple art, and everyone is invited to taste different apple varieties from the school orchard, complete with tasting notes. 

In the refreshments tent, you’ll find the Apple Café serving cakes and hot drinks, savoury sausage rolls and soup from Sett Valley Café, and delicious pies from Live and Let’s Pie. Local producers High Peak Cider will also be offering a tipple or two for the grown-ups. 

Sustainability remains at the heart of Apple Day, with a Repair Shop on site - so bring along small items, including electricals, for fixing. There’ll also be biodiversity information, energy-saving advice, and stalls from local community groups sharing updates on sustainable projects happening across the area. 

Entertainment will run throughout the afternoon, including clog dancing at 2:00 pm, the ever-popular Hayfield Mummers Play at 3:15 pm, face painting, storytelling in the tipi, and an art exhibition by Hayfield Artists. At 2:30 pm, Hayfield Churches Together will hold a special Harvest Celebration to mark the season. 

And don’t forget the raffle, which helps raise vital funds for Sustainable Hayfield’s work in the coming year. Local businesses have generously donated some fantastic prizes. 

Hayfield Apple Day promises a warm welcome, wonderful food, lively entertainment, and a true celebration of community spirit. So come along, bring your friends and family, and enjoy one of the village’s most cherished traditions - a day dedicated to apples, sustainability, and good old-fashioned fun.