Late summer sun, ripening pumpkins of all shapes and sizes can only mean a bumper harvest at the Annual Jubilee Sailing Trust Autumn Pumpkin Festival and Scarecrow Avenue on 13 October, 12 noon-5.30pm A popular seasonal family event, this year celebrating twenty years, at Royal Victoria Country Park, Netley run entirely by volunteers, involving numerous local community groups, supporters and stall holders bringing together the very best of seasonal food, drink, crafts and entertainment alongside the spectacular setting of the newly refurbished historic Royal Victoria Chapel. Giant pumpkins from around the UK vying for the pumpkin crown in an eagerly anticipated official weigh off. Could this be the year the scales announce a new world champion?
Local small producers and Hampshire Fare food stalls provide sustenance for hoards of hungry visitors, including the famously delicious Prince Consort Pumpkin Curry in conjunction with Pickwell Farm; Netley Sea Scouts BBQ, Paella, hog roast, beers and ciders from award winning local breweries, family sports area, circus skills with Juggling Jake, craft stalls for that unique and special present, not forgetting giant pumpkins from some of the UK’s biggest growers and allotment gardeners. Music for all tastes with bands and community choirs performing in the Chapel Sessions marquee and performance space.
The ever growing Scarecrow Avenue, a firm family favourite encourages local schools, businesses and families to bring along a fun Scarecrow, not a competition, just a popular piece of community art for all to enjoy. The fun starts at 12 noon and continues til 5.30pm Arrive early! Adults £5 Children under 12 FREE with adult, inclusive of parking. Supporting the Woolston based Jubilee Sailing Trust charity www.jst.org.uk. All enquiries 07702 980677 or follow the festival Facebook page.