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The Cooper Associates County Ground was proud to host Craft Con 2026 recently.
Craft Con is the UK’s only cidermaking trade conference, held annually in March and with more than 150 delegates from over 75 ciders attending.
The event, which has been organised since 2019 by the Three Counties Cider and Perry Association, consists of two days of interactive workshops and seminars aimed at aspiring and existing cidermakers in the UK and beyond.
Over 20 speakers and panellists presented on a range of topics covering orcharding, cidermaking and business.
The orcharding strand covered a range of techniques, ideas and discussions on growing cider apples and perry pears. The cidermaking strand aimed to inspire, inform and educate cidermakers within all aspects of cidermaking from initial pressing to final bottling. The culture strand was designed to keep the people, history and stories of the cider community alive amongst those who represent the industry. Whilst the business section delved into the nitty gritty of successful cider business.
Following the event, Lydia Crimp from Artistraw Cidery and Orchard said: “The event was so brilliant! The team at SCCC were particularly amazing. We had loads of feedback from our delegates, who commented not only on the helpfulness of the staff but also on how great the venue was. Everyone LOVED it.
“The dinner was delicious, the rooms were perfect for our talks, and our sponsors were delighted to see their logos up on the scoreboards. Your team made putting on an event of this size so easy and we felt in such safe hands. I honestly can’t thank you enough for all you did in the run up as well.”
The Three Counties Cider and Perry Association was founded in 1993 by a group of craft scale cider makers who came together at the cider and perry trials run by the The Big Apple at Putley in Herefordshire. They offer technical expertise through specialist guest speakers at its regular meetings, and aims not only to inform but to support members in dealing with trading legalities, health and safety matters, and forthcoming legislation. It organises tutored tastings and social events at which members can meet and exchange news and views.
Membership is open to any cider or perry maker or enthusiast anywhere in the world, though the majority of our members are currently from Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire and the surrounding areas. The TCCPA is for anyone involved in cider, whether you are producing for sale or as a hobby, involved in related businesses, or simply interested in the subject.
Fore more information on The Three Counties Perry & Cider Association, please click the link below:
THE PERFECT VENUE FOR YOUR EVENT
The versatile nature of the venue means that the Cooper Associates County Ground is ideal for every kind of event.
From conferences and seminars to weddings and outdoor concerts, the Cooper Associates County Ground is the only venue you need.
Download our brand new C&E brochure now!
Intimate or large-scale; we’ve got everything you require.
Located just minutes from junction 25 of the M5, and within walking distance of Taunton Railway Station, we have packages to suit all occasions and all budgets.
Our rooms are equipped with seated areas, standing space, TV screens for interactive sessions, plus secure Wi-Fi.
We have recently upgraded our audio/visual (AV) provision to include cutting edge HD technology and a stunning state-of-the-art video wall!
Refreshments and a wide range of day delegate rates are also available.
Our friendly staff will work with you at every stage of the process, from organisation to delivery, in order to ensure that your event is tailored to meet all of your requirements and exceeds expectation.
For more information please email events@somersetcountycc.co.uk
Images courtesy of Dylan Byrne
