Welcome to Yorkshire
Published on September 17th, 2026
•This autumn, families and pumpkin enthusiasts alike are in for a treat as Spilmans, a popular Pick Your Own farm near Thirsk, prepares to celebrate its tenth anniversary with the much-anticipated Pumpkin Festival. Kicking off on Saturday 26 September and running until Friday 30 October, the festival promises a packed schedule of activities centred around the farm's impressive pumpkin patch, which boasts over 175,000 pumpkins ready for harvesting.
Exciting Events for Everyone
The Pumpkin Festival at Spilmans is not just about picking pumpkins; it's a whole experience filled with fun for all ages.
Tom Spilman, the owner, shares his excitement:
“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.”
Here’s a quick look at some of the highlights:
Wizfords Academy: The Great Fortune Flop Show: A fun show that promises to entertain.
Skelebones Fancy Dress Disco: A chance to dress up and dance.
Tractor Rides & Barrel Train: Enjoy a ride around the farm.
Spooky Walk: Take a walk through the pumpkin patch with a spooky twist.
Giant Slide & Hay Bale Mountain: Perfect for climbing and sliding fun.
Pumpkin Cannon: Watch pumpkins fly in a spectacular display.
Corn Cannon: Shoot corn for some exciting fun.
BB Machine Gun Range: A unique experience for thrill-seekers.
Pumpkin Nights and Back-to-Basics Events
In addition to the main festival, Spilmans will also host its popular Pumpkin Nights on selected evenings starting from Saturday 10 October. These evenings are perfect for those looking for a magical experience under the stars. Visitors can grab a wheelbarrow, pick their own pumpkins, and then relax with a licensed bar, delicious street food, and live music from popular local DJ Laura Castle. For those who prefer a quieter experience, the farm will run its Back-to-Basics event from Tuesday 13 to Friday 16 October and again from Tuesday 20 to Thursday 22 October. This allows visitors to enjoy pumpkin picking without the hustle and bustle of the festival activities. Tom explains, “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.”
Fireworks and More
As the festival draws to a close, Spilmans will light up the night with its annual fireworks display on Wednesday 28 and Thursday 29 October. Tom is particularly excited about this event, stating, “I’m really looking forward to the fireworks. The displays will be orchestrated to live music, and I can’t wait to welcome guests for this incredible experience.” The fireworks will be a fantastic way to celebrate the end of the pumpkin season and are sure to leave a lasting impression on all who attend.
Making the Most of Your Visit
With such a variety of activities, Spilmans is set to be a popular destination this autumn. The farm not only offers a thrilling pumpkin picking experience but also features an indoor play barn with pedal tractors, a ball pit, and sand area, ensuring that fun can continue regardless of the weather. For those feeling peckish, the Stone Barn Café serves a selection of brunches, lunches, and wood-fired pizzas, perfect for refuelling after a day of activities. Visitors are encouraged to pre-book their tickets, with prices starting at £7.95, which includes a £5.00 pumpkin voucher. This is a great way to ensure that everyone can enjoy the festivities without any hassle.
Celebrating a Decade of Pumpkins
Spilmans has a rich history, having been established in 1941 by Tom’s grandfather. The introduction of the Pumpkin Festival in 2016 marked a significant change for the family business, and it has since grown into a beloved annual event. Tom adds, “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.” This year’s festival is a celebration not only of pumpkins but also of the community that has supported Spilmans over the years.
