HUNDREDS of people came to Herefordshire to celebrate the county's reputation and rich history in cider making.

Producers from around the world met with local brands for an international cider conference, with the aim of the network to promote tourism to 10 of the world's cider regions.

The global network of cider culture professionals was initiated by the Basque Country in Spain in 2018, with delegates from the nations meeting in Herefordshire last weekend the first meeting.

During the opening address from High Sheriff James Harvey Bathurst, he said Herefordshire is one of the greatest cidermaking regions and cultures in the world.

James Forbes, chair of one of the Three Counties Cider and Perry Association (TCCPA), said: "The event was brilliant. The vibrancy of the occasion was really exciting and the band were absolutely fantastic."

At Hereford's cider museum on Friday, Ciderlands aimed to put Herefordshire on the world map, with cider tasting, live music and tours of the museum.

"It was an overwhelming success, with a real party atmosphere," said Museum of Cider director, Elizabeth Pimblett.

"Lots of people hope it will be an annual fixture. This was a first for us, an evening celebratory event open to all.

"It was my aim to encourage a real sense of pride in our superb Herefordshire cider. With the help of cider makers, orchardists, historians and our generous international delegates, we did."

To mark the occasion, Haritz Rodriguez, on behalf of the Basque Country, gave Ms Pimblett a kizki, the traditional apple collecting stick of the region.

On Saturday, delegates visited Ross on Wye, the Big Apple's Harvestime Festival, and attended a cider banquet at The Green Dragon Hotel.

Ciderlands 2019 was made possible with the support of sponsors, including the Green Dragon Hotel, Bulmers/Heineken, Westons, The Pippin Trust, TCCPA, National Association of Cidermakers, and Museum of Cider, Hereford.