Canalside Farm's Pumpkin Festival to return
Canalside Farm has announced its Pumpkin Festival will be going ahead this year.
The farm, based near Stafford, is gearing up to host the annual event that has been running for the last three years.
Co-owner of the farm, Anna Barton said: “In order for the pumpkins to be ready for October, we had to plant them in June, so we had to take a huge leap of faith, as at that time, we were still in lockdown and weren’t sure if we’d be able to go ahead.
"So we are over the moon that with a little re-organising and careful planning to ensure everyone’s safety, we will be able to run the festival this October.”
Visitors are asked to pre-book a ticket so the attraction can manage visitor numbers.
Anna explains: “Normally our festival runs across the week of half-term and is very busy, but this year it will run across every weekend in October as well as half-term, so that the visitor numbers will be spread out.
"People will only be able to enter via timed tickets, which have to be pre-booked on our website, so we can keep a tight handle on the number of people that enter.
"All of the activities will be held outside at our pumpkin field, making it easy to social distance and our staff will be on hand at all times, to manage things.”
The farm has also been running their pick-your-own strawberries and raspberries across the Summer.
Anna continues: “Although we’ve been operating our PYO for over 35 years, we only started growing pumpkins in 2017.
"We were delighted by the reaction we had in our first year, so planted even more pumpkins and are hoping for around 10,000 this year! Children love the pumpkin patch and it allows them to see first-hand how this spectacular fruit is grown.
"They seem to really enjoy going into the field and picking their own pumpkin, and it’s a really safe, fun activity for everyone.”
The Pumpkin Festival will run across every weekend in October, plus half-term, from 10am to 3pm.
There will be a small charge of £2 per person and under three’s are free.
Tickets must be pre-booked via their website www.canalsidefarm.co.uk.
Tickets will be released on the Wednesday for the following weekend.
Canalside Farm, Shop and Outdoor Café are open every day from 9am to 4pm and are located in Great Haywood, just 6 miles outside Stafford. The Farm is situated just off the A51, between Stone and Rugeley or can be accessed via the A518 from Stafford, turning right to Great Haywood (postcode ST18 0RQ).
For further information please telephone 01889 881747 or log onto the their website www.canalsidefarm.co.uk
