PREPARATIONS are well under way for the second celebration of Bromyard’s hop-picking heritage.

The official launch of the Bromyard Hop Festival took place yesterday at Bromyard Live! in Broad Street ahead of the big day on Saturday, September 1.

The town has a long association with hops since they were first introduced to the Frome Valley in 1577 and this year’s offering looks set to be just as entertaining with the challenging Hop Pocket World Championship making a welcome return at its heart.

Fitness gurus from Halo Leisure at the Bromyard Centre were on hand to announce a special exercise regime to ensure entrants are in peak condition come race day when in teams of four they will run through the streets carrying a full hop pocket weighing 70kg.

Refreshments from Wye Valley Brewery and Legges of Bromyard gave people a flavour of what is to come and the Hop Pocket World Championship trophies will remain on display in the tourist information centre to further whet the appetite. For more information, go to bromyardhopfestival.co.uk.