Things for farmers to see and do on farms this summer

Sometimes the best kind of day away from the farm is spent visiting somebody else’s for a change.

For those keen to take a trip and support fellow farmers with their events, here is a list of great events happening on farms this summer.

We’ll be adding to this list as the year progresses. If you have a large-scale event happening on your farm this summer, drop Farmers Weekly’s community editor Oli Hill a line.

See also: Enter Britain’s Fittest Farmer 2019 and view all the entries so far

Open Farm Sunday

9 June 2019

Since 2006, Open Farm Sunday has been opening farm gates and visitors’ minds, giving farmers and the public an opportunity to connect and communicate.

Every June, hundreds of farmers open up their farms to the general public, providing a valuable insight into what it is truly like to farm in the UK.

Run by Linking Environment and Farming (Leaf), the event sees all types of producers get involved, from large arable estates in the East to mixed units in the depths of Wales, as well as farm parks, hop gardens and llama farms.

This year’s Open Farm Sunday is being held on 9 June 2019. To find out more and find a host farm near you, go to the Open Farm Sunday website.

Barn on the Farm Festival

4-7 July 2019

Ed Sheeran, Bastille and Ben Howard – all big names that have played at Barn on the Farm Festival in their fledgling days, hosted by the Keene family at Over Farm just outside Gloucester.

Now gearing up for its 10th anniversary, the farm will be opening its gates to about 3,000 music lovers from 4-7 July 2019. Musical highlights include chart-topper Lewis Capaldi, Sam Fender and Maggie Rogers. 

While it has grown considerably from the early days, it has managed to retain its authentic farm-based vibe thanks in part to the clever incorporation of everyday farm items and buildings, such as potato crates and tin top sheds. This gives the festival its genuine, down-to-earth charm.

Read Farmers Weekly‘s interview with host farmer Matt Keene and festival organiser Josh Sanger, and go to the Barn on the Farm website to book tickets.

Cannon Hall Farm Food Festival

23-26 August

Treat your tastebuds with the finest food and drink that Yorkshire producers have to offer at Cannon Hall Farm near Barnsley.

More than 100 exhibitors will be showcasing their delicious delicacies at the event this August bank holiday, with plenty of opportunities for tastings and sampling.

The agenda features cookery demos, live music, funfair for the kids, plus a selection of the finest artisan traders Yorkshire has to offer.

Admission is free and parking cost £5 per car. For more information, visit the farm’s website.

Seasoned Cookery School

All summer

Seasoned is owned by dairy farmer’s wife Clare Major and is in the grounds of the beautiful Catton Hall Estate in Derbyshire.

It operates more than 100 different cookery and baking courses taught by some of the country’s best chefs, some of whom are BBC Masterchef and Great British Bake Off finalists.

Master the art of butchery and learn how to use every part of a pig carcass from nose to tail. Become a pickling pro or learn how to cook game with style.

To find out more, visit Seasoned Cookery School’s website.