I shall be at the second Bristol Winter Cider Festival this evening at the Passenger Shed, making my way through more than one hundred ciders and perries as I wish my friend Leanne a fond farewell from Bristol as she moves to pastures new.

The event, which also features a performance by a Wurzels tribute band, should be lots of fun. I went to a Camra beer festival at the Passenger Shed last year and had a great time. Just so long as I behave myself and don’t get too over-enthusiastic on the cloudy varieties from small farms in Herefordshire (found throughout the year in the Orchard Inn), I should be alright.

Drinks to sample include award-winning ciders from Ben Crossman’s, Rich’s, Thatchers, Broadoak and Heck’s (Somerset), Gwatkin (Herefordshire), Gwynt Y Ddraig (Wales), and Mr. Whiteheads (Hampshire) – as well as hog roast rolls and cheese platters.

Talking of cheese, the Glassboat is taking over Welsh Back on Sunday for a cheese festival.

I shall let them explain: “This is a chance to wake up your taste buds after a sleepy January with a tempting showcase of the best that the West has to offer, including Trethowan Dairy, Keens Cheddar, Bath Ales, Mary Holbrook, Great Western Wine and Source.