This Saturday is ‘Apple Day’ as Merton Fruit Festival kicks off at Mitcham Community Orchard & Garden.

Apple- shenanigans events will include fun and games such as apple bobbing, juice making, fruity face painting and storytelling and rap performances.

The event will also showcase traditional South London apple varieties such as Chad’s Favourite, Merton Beauty and Merton Charm which are not available in supermarkets.

Ryan O’Kane, of Helping Britain Blossom, one of thr groups organising the event said: “Many people will be surprised to hear that London has a rich heritage of apple growing and some fantastic varieties not commonly found in mainstream supermarkets.

“This event is a great opportunity to get people learning about them and enjoying tasting them.”

Fruit expert David Channon from the Merton Orchard Project and food historian Monica Askay will be at the event to talk to visitors about London’s and Merton’s fruit growing heritage.

Festival goers will be given a fruit map developed by The Orchard Project

Other Apple Day Celebrations taking place across London include:

Sat 14 Oct- Apple Day at Mayow Park- Sydenham/Forest Hill

Sat 28 Oct- Halloween Apple Day- Arnos Park Community Orchard and Growing Space

For more information about the list of Apple Day events happening visit

https://www.facebook.com/HelpingBritainBlossom/

Tomorrow's Apple is being organised by The Orchard Project, with support by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Helping Britain Blossom.