FAMILIES are being invited to celebrate the Forest’s apple harvest with a day of juicing, demonstrations and activities at the Dean Heritage Centre.

Apple Day will take place at the Soudley attraction on Sunday, October 11, from 11am until 4pm, with visitors encouraged to bring along apples from their own gardens.

The event will feature apple juicing, preserving demonstrations, apple identification and recipe ideas, alongside children’s activities and stalls selling locally produced goods.

People with spare apples will be able to add them to the press and take home fresh juice, although organisers have warned that visitors will not necessarily receive juice made from their own particular fruit.

Around three litres of juice can be produced from every 5kg of whole apples brought along.

Anyone wishing to have apples juiced must arrive at the centre by 2.30pm and should bring their own clean bottles with lids.

Those planning to freeze their juice are advised to bring plastic bottles, while a limited number of containers will also be available to purchase during the event.

The freshly produced juice will be unpasteurised, meaning it should be kept refrigerated and consumed within two days unless it is frozen.

Visitors will also be able to sample apple-themed food and drink throughout the day, with the Dean Heritage Centre cafe remaining open for refreshments.

Picnics are also welcome for those looking to make a full day of their visit to the Soudley attraction.

Entry to Apple Day itself is free, while organisers are suggesting a £5 donation from people who would also like to visit the Heritage Centre and support its work.

The event is cash only and organisers have stressed that the whole family is welcome.

Forest of Dean District Council has encouraged residents with unwanted apples to take advantage of the event rather than letting their autumn harvest go to waste.