A record number of medal-winning ciders will be the focus of cider appreciators at the annual Australian Cider Festival, being held in Melbourne this Saturday.

Twenty one national and international stall holders will have an array of artisan blends on offer as the growing industry celebrates another year of innovation and excellence.

More than 1000 people are expected to flock to the festival at Ormond Hall at The Village Melbourne, as cider and spring sunshine come to the fore.

The festival is open from 12-8pm. Early bird tickets are still available through eventopia.co for $20 per person (under 18s free), with tickets $25 at the door. Entry gives you 20 complementary 50mL samples, a tasting glass, festival program and tasting notes.

Cider Australia President Sam Reid said attendees can sign up for cider master classes during the afternoon for just $15 per session to learn from some of the best cider makers in the business.

“The festival is perfectly suited to cider enthusiasts, amateur cider makers, craft beer and wine lovers and locals looking for a great day out”, Mr Reid said.

A producers forum on the Saturday morning before the festival will be held from 9.30-11am featuring guest international judge Claude Jolicoeur, presenting on quality factors in cider making. Tickets are also available through eventopia.co

Saturday’s events will follow the 2015 Australian Cider Awards, which will be announced on Friday night at a gala dinner.

“The 2015 awards had record entries including more Australian entries than ever before, with almost twice as many medals awarded by judges than last year”, Mr Reid said.

“It shows just how far the industry has come in the past few years.”

Cider and perry in all manner of styles will be available during the Festival from the following producers: Apple Thief, Batlow, Cheeky Grog Co, Custard & Co, Endless, Faire Ferments, Flying Brick, Frank’s, Harcourt, Hazeldean Forest Farm, Hillbilly, LOBO, Lucky Duck, Mock Red Hill, Napoleone, Snakes & Ladders, Thatchers, The Hills Cider Company, Twisted Sister, Verano and Willie Smith’s.