Crowds are flocking to a North Yorkshire pumpkin festival, where more than 175,000 pumpkins are ready for harvest.
Spilmans, a Pick Your Own farm in Sessay, near Thirsk, is hosting its annual Pumpkin Festival, featuring 35 acres of pumpkins and a full calendar of autumn-themed events for visitors of all ages.
The festival runs on selected dates until Friday, October 30, and includes both daytime and evening experiences.
Tom Spilman, owner of Spilmans, said: "We’ve had a superb start to the season with lots of visitors enjoying the festive autumn atmosphere and picking their perfect pumpkins."
Spilmans, in Sessay, near Thirsk, has opened its Pumpkin Festival, which runs on selected dates until Friday (October 30) (Image: Spilmans)
Now in its tenth year, the pumpkin patch has more than 175,000 pumpkins ready for harvest.
This year’s crop includes some of the largest pumpkins yet, thanks to the farm’s irrigation system and the warm summer weather.
Tom said: "Pumpkins are thirsty plants as the fruit is approximately 80 to 90 per cent water so they typically require about an inch of water a week during their peak growing season over the summer.
"The intense heatwaves we experienced across the UK this year meant we relied heavily on the farm’s irrigation system to keep the 800-tonne crop watered.
"However, a combination of the very warm sunshine and regular watering has resulted in some of the largest pumpkins we’ve had to date."
The festival offers more than just pumpkin picking, with a full programme of family-friendly activities.
New this year is the Wizfords Academy: The Great Fortune Flop show, alongside returning favourites including the Skelebones fancy dress disco, tractor rides, barrel train, spooky walk, hay bale mountain, giant slide, pumpkin cannon, corn cannon and BB machine gun range.
The popular Pumpkin Nights are also back, offering visitors the chance to pick pumpkins by night under the glow of lights.
For those who prefer a quieter visit, the farm is offering its Back-to-Basics event on selected dates until Thursday, October 22.
This option allows visitors to focus on pumpkin picking without the additional entertainment and activities.
Tom said: "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 concludes with its annual firework displays on Wednesday, October 28, and Thursday, October 29.
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."
Spilmans has been a family-run farm since 1941 and launched its first Pumpkin Festival in 2016.
Tom said: "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."
The farm also offers weather-proof activities, including an indoor play barn with pedal tractors, a ball pit and a sand area.
Outdoor play options include an adventure play area and bouncing pillows.
Visitors can refuel at the Stone Barn Café, which serves brunch, lunch, wood-fired pizzas and a range of hot and cold drinks.
The Pumpkin Festival runs until Friday, October 30.
Pumpkin Nights will take place on October 17, 18, 23, 24, 25 and 30 from 5pm.
The Back-to-Basics event runs from October 20 to 22.
Fireworks Night takes place on October 28 and 29.
Pre-booking is essential.
Tickets start at £7.95 and include a £5 pumpkin voucher.
More details are available at www.spilmans.co.uk.