On October 21, the UK unites to observe National Apple Day, and we’re looking back at the favourite fruit and Cumbrians’ taste for it.

Krystl Mayes and daughter Freya on Apple Day (Image: David Hollins) 
The day pays tribute to the rich heritage and diversity of apple varieties grown across the nation. It was first established in the UK by Common Ground, a charitable organisation committed to celebrating and promoting local distinctiveness.

Mum Chrissy Byrne with children Nathan and Macy try the Cumbrian apple juice from PenrithMum Chrissy Byrne with children Nathan and Macy try the Cumbrian apple juice from Penrith (Image: David Hollins)
The inaugural event took place in 1990, and since then, it has gained momentum and recognition. This day not only honours the vast array of apple varieties cultivated throughout the UK but also underscores the importance of orchards and the need to preserve these vital ecosystems.

Vic Neat from Penrith competes in the longest apple peel contestVic Neat from Penrith competes in the longest apple peel contest (Image: David Hollins)
Apples occupy a special place in the hearts of the British people. They are not just tasty and nutritious, but also carry historical, cultural, and ecological importance.

Brothers Alexander, William and Arran Clement from Stainton become experts at apple dunkingBrothers Alexander, William and Arran Clement from Stainton become experts at apple dunking (Image: David Hollins)

Traditionally, apples were associated with fertility, love, and immortality. The renowned legend of William Tell, an expert archer who shot an apple off his son’s head, further highlights their symbolism.

Kirkbride Primary School celebrate their success at the CN Group Golden Apple Awards (Image: Newsquest)
In the UK, apples have been cultivated for centuries, and the country boasts a plethora of apple varieties, from the sweet and juicy Cox’s Orange Pippin to the versatile Bramley cooking apple. Apples also play a crucial role in cider production, another British tradition steeped in history and heritage.

Adrienne Easterbrook, right, and Deborah Dent at the Golden Apple AwardsAdrienne Easterbrook, right, and Deborah Dent at the Golden Apple Awards (Image: Newsquest)

National Apple Day offers the perfect opportunity to visit a local orchard and pick your own apples. Other options include preparing an apple recipe, drinking cider, taking part in apple-based crafts and seeking out heritage varieties to try such as the Egremont Russet at a local farmers’ market or heritage orchard.

Golden Apple award winners at Carlisle Racecourse in 2016 (Image: Newsquest)
Our first set of pictures show families making the most of Apple Day 2016 at Acorn Bank near Temple Sowerby, where activities included making apple pigs, a longest apple peel contest and sampling Cumbrian apple juice.

Razzamataz Theatre School perform at the Golden Apple AwardsRazzamataz Theatre School perform at the Golden Apple Awards (Image: Newsquest)
Other images are of the CN Group’s Golden Apple Awards celebrating the best in local education – a tradition which continues every October.