VISITORS to Worcestershire County Museum are set for a refreshing experience at the annual harvest fair which this year will be bigger and better than ever.

Cider-making with a 300-year-old mill will be among the attractions at the museum in Hartlebury on Sunday, October 5, between 11am and 5pm.

There will be demonstrations by teams of heavy horses, and children can take part in craft activities as well as practicing their archery skills, or trying their hand at playing traditional musical instruments.

And new this year there will be donkey rides around the castle's carriage circle.

Craft demonstrations will showcase traditional techniques including basket-weaving, spinning, blacksmithing, butter making and other rural crafts.

Visitors will be entertained by the English Folk Dancing Society, the Worcestershire Players and Cast Off Appalachian Dancers, as well as music performances including hand-bell ringing and ukuleles.

Competitive visitors can have a go at traditional games including ferret roulette with the Heart of England Ferret Association.

An apple tasting activity will help children to learn how to identify various types of apple grown in the UK and the museum cafe will serve apple-related meals.

There will also be a craft fair in the Great Hall with stalls selling locally-made preserves and produce, plus crafts and gifts.

Museum events officer Pippa Ashmore said: “Harvest fair day is always a fun, family day which gives visitors the chance to see cider being made in the traditional way as well as observe traditional skills and crafts.

"We are hoping visitors will get involved by bringing some apples to be added to the hopper and in return they can bring along a small bottle and take away some of the freshly squeezed juice."

To find out more contact 01299 250416 or museumsworcestershire.org.uk