A 12-FOOT high wooden effigy, painstakingly built by celebrated local artist and sculptor Rob Heard, will go up in flames on Saturday evening (October 28), bringing to life a centuries-old Somerset legend claimed to guarantee a bumper crop of ripe apples.

The ‘Legend of the Burning of the Torm Man’ is being staged for the first time at Torre Cider Farm, Washford, by owners Neil Freeman and Gemma Combe as part of the farm’s “Fright Night and Burn’, which includes ghost stories and a ‘spine-chilling walk’ in the orchard.

The spooky orchard trail and ghost stories - from Watchet town crier David Milton - will be part of the entertainment which starts at 6.30 pm, before a highlight of the evening at 8 pm when the Torm Man sculpture goes up in a blaze of glory to bring alive a legend with origins lost in the mists of time.

The story recreates a long-forgotten time when a village’s apples were apparently blighted by a curse resulting in orchards bearing fruit that refused to ripen.

Desperate to salvage their crops, the villagers were said to have turned to the legend of the Torm Man.

They believed he was a mystical spirit who lived in their orchards and could ripen apples when given a special offering - a token of the heart, a symbol of unity among the villagers.

The 'Torm Man' sculpture which will be burned in Washford on Saturday.
The 'Torm Man' sculpture which will be burned in Washford on Saturday. (Terry Walker)

As the event organisers explain: “It seems the villagers gathered together, each contributing an apple from their orchard. The unripe apples were placed in a basket woven from branches and leaves.

“The villagers lit a massive bonfire and placed the basket of apples at its heart. As the bonfire consumed the unripened fruit, it was believed that the Torm Man transformed it into something succulent, sweet, and juicy.

“The burning of the Torm Man became an integral part of the village's bonfire night celebrations, blessing their orchards and ensuring abundant and perfectly ripened apples.”

Rob Heard said: “I loved building the Torm Man. People say it will be a shame to see all that work go up in flames but I think it will be a wonderful spectacle and contribute to a great night.” 

The organisers say they are delighted with Rob Heard’s creation: “It is amazing - he is such a talented artist.”

The spine-chilling walk in the orchard, Big Burn, and Halloween Party is from 6.30 pm to 10 pm.

The walk is for over-12s only and costs £5. Food will be served until 7.30 pm.

The Torm Man’s ‘Big Burn’ is scheduled for 8 pm.