Thurning Feast

Every year on St James' Day (25th July), the sleepy village of Thurning has a bit of a do! Hardly news you might think, most villages put on a Fete or Gala in the Summer months, but Thurning's 'do' is a little bit special.

The village of Thurning is located a few miles South/East of Oundle, in proper rolling Northamptonshire countryside. There doesn't appear to be a pub or shop in the village, and perhaps this is the reason why the village's annual 'Feast Day' is so well supported, and punches above it's weight in terms of ambition and attendance. I'm led to believe that attendance at this event is often counted in the thousands rather than hundreds!

In the shadow of the church of St James, the marquees and tents are being erected today, in readiness for tomorrows big day. In addition to the usual stalls and good food you'd expect at an event such as this, there will be a full programme of entertainment, and also two bars to keep the party swinging until midnight. Local brewery Digfield Ales are a long-standing supporter of the event, and the festival organisers will also be running a full bar. This is where barrels of our Rockingham Forest Cider, and Sulgrave Orchard Cider will be found. We're new to Thurning, and I hope that the locals enjoy a taste of Northamptonshire made cider along with the local ales.