Spilmans celebrates ten years of pumpkins in North Yorkshire
Pumpkin patch open dates announced
One of Yorkshire’s largest Pick Your Own farms is celebrating ten years of its Pumpkin Patch this year.
Spilmans, near Thirsk, kicks off its Pumpkin Festival on Saturday 26 September which then runs on selected dates until Friday 30 October.
The 35 acre patch has over 175,000 pumpkins ready for harvesting at a number of different events throughout the pumpkin season.
Tom Spilman, owner of Spilmans, said: “We’ve pulled out all the stops to mark our ten-year anniversary.
“Our main Pumpkin Festival starts on Saturday 26 September and runs on selected dates including throughout the October half term.
"Visitors can look forward to a family-friendly programme including our new Wizfords Academy: The Great Fortune Flop show, Skelebones fancy dress disco, tractor rides, barrel train, spooky walk, hay bale mountain, giant slide, pumpkin cannon, giant pipe rolling, corn cannon and BB machine gun range.”
More than 50 varieties of pumpkins including Kratos, Early Prince and Casperita were planted in the spring by the Spilmans’ team.
Tom added: “We have over 800 tonnes of pumpkins for picking with a really extensive variety including large field pumpkins, miniature and speciality display gourds as well as decorative and edible squashes.”
Back by popular demand this year is the farm’s season of Pumpkin Nights on selected evenings from Saturday 10 October. Visitors can grab a wheelbarrow and head to the patch to choose their pumpkins before enjoying the licensed bar, street food, fire performers and live music from York Mix radio DJ, Laura Castle.
The farm is also running its Back-to-Basics event from Tuesday 13 to Friday 16 October and Tuesday 20 to Thursday 22 October for visitors looking for a more relaxed pumpkin picking experience without the extra autumn-themed activities.
Tom added: “We know a number of our guests prefer a calmer picking experience, so we have included these extra dates to ensure everyone is catered for.”
The festival goes out with a bang at the farm’s annual autumn firework displays which take place on Wednesday 28 and Thursday 29 October.
Tom said: “I’m really looking forward to the fireworks. The displays will be orchestrated to live music, and I can’t wait to welcome guest for this incredible experience.”
“We have lots of different pumpkin events and activities taking place throughout the autumn, so I encourage visitors to check our website before booking.”
The farm was established in 1941 by Tom’s grandfather and in 2016 held its first Pumpkin Festival.
Tom added: “The Pumpkin Patch was a huge change in direction for our family business, so I’m thrilled the festival is now in its tenth year and bigger and better than ever.”
In addition to a jolly gourd programme of entertainment there is also plenty of weather-proof fun at Spilmans in the indoor play barn featuring pedal tractors, ball pit and sand area, while outside there is the outdoor adventure play and bouncing pillows. Hungry guests can head to the Stone Barn Café which serves brunches, lunch, wood fired pizzas and hot and cold drinks.
The Pumpkin Festival takes place on selected dates from Saturday 26 September. The Pumpkin Nights take place on 10, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25 and 30 October from 5pm. The Back-to-Basics event runs from 13 to 16 October and 20 to 22 October. The Fireworks Night takes place on Wednesday 28 and Thursday 29 October.
Pre-booking is essential. Prices start at £7.95 which includes a £5.00 pumpkin voucher.
For more information visit www.spilmans.co.uk, or like and follow @SpilmanFarming on Facebook and Instagram for all the latest news and updates.