In this episode of Beyond the Crown we take a deep dive into the history of apples and the associated festivals in the Stanthorpe region, as well as across the country.

The mid-60's saw huge change to the Apple Blossom Festival, but to understand why we'll go back to the 1870's.

I take a visit to the Queensland State Archives to find out why there isn't much in the offical record books about apple festivals in Stanthorpe.

An we uncover a composer called Ward Leopold who was commissioned to write about apples for the Apple and Pear Marketing Board. Check out our bonus bit on Ward in your podcast feed now, which includes the only known recording of 'The Apple Song'.

Beyond The Crown is hosted by Lou Bromley.

Find out more by visiting the Beyond The Crown website or Facebook page.

This podcast has been made possible by the Regional Arts Development Fund; it's a partnership between the Queensland Government and the Southern Downs Regional Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.