Farmer Copleys Pumpkin Festival celebrates 20 years of family traditions

Farmer Copleys is celebrating 20 years of its much-loved Pumpkin Festival this autumn, marking two decades of pumpkin picking, family traditions and autumn memories at the farm.

What started with an inspirational trip to America has grown into a major autumn attraction, with thousands of families visiting Farmer Copleys each year to choose their perfect pumpkin and enjoy a day out in the fields.

Twenty years ago, Rob and Heather Copley returned from America with an idea: what if they brought the experience of pumpkin picking home to Yorkshire?

And so, the Farmer Copleys Pumpkin Festival was born.

Heather Copley said: “When we look back at photographs from the early Pumpkin Festivals, what really stands out is the people and the memories.

" We’ve had comments from people saying that children in some of those old photographs are now in high school, and that really brings home just how many generations have grown up visiting us.

“Of course, we love growing the pumpkins and creating something exciting for people to enjoy, but ultimately, it’s about giving families somewhere to make memories together. That is what has always mattered to us.”

For 2026, the Pumpkin Festival is returning bigger than ever. Visitors can expect a patchwork of orange, white, green and striped pumpkins filling the fields, with plenty of opportunity to pick their own and find something a little different.

Alongside pumpkin picking, this year’s festival will feature tractor rides through the pumpkin fields, live shows and entertainment, archery, vintage fairground rides, Witches’ Storytime, magical performances, family characters including Velcro the Scarecrow and daily fancy dress competitions.

Food is also a big part of the autumn experience, with pumpkin-inspired treats available across the farm, including at the farm shop, Moo Café and food stalls in the festival fields.

This year will also see Twilight Pumpkin Picking and live music nights, giving visitors the chance to experience the fields after dark. With golden-hour pumpkin picking, marshmallow toasting, drinks at the Pumpkin Bar and live entertainment, the evening sessions offer a different way to enjoy the festival.

The Farmer Copleys Pumpkin Festival runs on selected dates from September 26 to November 1 , with additional highlights including live country music nights and extended evening sessions.

Photos taken by Tony Johnson