Cannon Hall Farm Hosts Its Biggest Ever Pumpkin Festival

Cannon Hall Farm in Barnsley is pulling out all the stops this autumn with a pumpkin festival that promises to be its largest and most exciting yet. With over 15,000 pumpkins ready for picking, the annual event has grown into a family-favourite extravaganza, attracting visitors from across the country. The festival, which runs on selected dates up until Halloween, features not only an abundance of pumpkins but also specially designed Instagram-worthy photo spots and a spooky virtual reality pumpkin ride.

The festival has been a highlight at Cannon Hall Farm for over a decade, but this year’s event is set to be its biggest yet. Rob Nicholson, Director at Cannon Hall Farm, is thrilled to see how it has evolved. “The pumpkin festival was a real game changer for us,” he says. “It’s absolutely incredible to see how it has grown each year into what it has become today. We love nothing more than seeing the kids wheeling the barrows round to choose their pumpkins, and I personally take real pride in the fact that we can help them make such special, family memories.”

 Rob and Dave Nicholson in Cannon Hall Farm’s Pumpkin Patch. (Credit: Dale Lavender) 

As part of the experience, each child receives a free pumpkin, which expert carvers then help shape into the perfect Halloween decoration. The family-friendly event provides plenty of opportunities for visitors to make cherished memories while showcasing the farm’s offerings during the colder months.

Nicholson recalls that attracting visitors during autumn and winter used to be a challenge. “Historically for us, it was very difficult to get people to come to Cannon Hall Farm in the autumn or winter, when it is dropping colder and darker. We always did well at Springtime when we saw new lambs, but autumn used to be a much more difficult proposition.”

Visitors enjoying Cannon Hall Farm’s Pumpkin Patch (Credit: Nicola Hyde)

However, the pumpkin festival has transformed the farm’s fortunes. In addition to its fun activities, the farm is committed to sustainability. Nicholson explains, “What’s even more special about our pumpkin patch is that absolutely nothing is wasted… any pumpkins left here at the end will be eaten by the sheep, they will not be wasted. It will all go back to the land, and the field will graze cattle again in the Springtime.”

This eco-conscious approach extends to the festival materials, with bark paths that are swept up and recycled, and straw that’s added to the farm’s muck heap to support the land’s fertility. Nicholson reflects on the changes he’s seen over the years: “Who would have thought there was a thing like this when we were young? When I was a lad you had to struggle to carve a turnip, share it between us brothers, and then eat it when you were done.”

Credit: Nicola Hyde

The popularity of the event continues to soar, and while visitor numbers are carefully managed to ensure a pleasant experience, the farm has become a destination for families looking to enjoy a memorable day out. As the official host farm for Channel 5’s On The Farm series, Cannon Hall is also preparing for the upcoming season of Winter on the Farm, set to air at the end of the year.

Whether you’re after the perfect pumpkin, a unique photo op, or a fun day out with the family, Cannon Hall Farm’s pumpkin festival promises a fantastic autumn adventure. Don’t miss out – it’s running until October 31st!

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