The Franklin’s Night Legend has various adaptations but locally talks about a farmer called Franklin living near Crediton upsetting the devil who put a curse on him and the surrounding area.
As a consequence there is often very cold weather on May 19, 20 or 21 or end of May which kills the apple blossom and blights the cider harvest, leaving the poor farmers without their favourite drink.
There are other similar references to the tale but all will be revealed at the Franklin’s Night, A Celebration of Devon Cider, which will begin at 4pm and run into the evening.
The story will be told by The Brown Paper Bag Mummers, who have been commissioned by Sandford Orchards, to tell the story.
The event will also include live music from “The Dilly Boys” and other family entertainment.
There will be a barbecue, tours of the cider works and, of course, cider to drink.
Admission will be free-of-charge and Sandford Orchards hope that it will become an annual event.