National Apple Festival at Brogdale

Celebrate all things apple at the National Fruit Collection on 19^th & 20^th October. Get set for a weekend packed with apple-tastic fun and sample plenty of apple delights with Brogdale Collections this October. Kick start your day off with apples galore in the Apple Barn! Come and celebrate over 2200 different apple varieties with a breath-taking and educational apple display. Learn about the history of apples, with varieties from the Tudor period and Victorian times, as well as a range of apples originating from all over the world. Discover apple varieties you never knew existed such as the Knobby Russet – don’t be put off by its warty appearance as it tastes beautiful! Or how about the ananasreinette – an unusual apple that tastes of pineapple! Discover the National Fruit Collection on a fascinating guided tractor trailer or walking tour of the fruit filled orchards. See the orchards from a fresh perspective as one of our expert guides tells you all about the history and wonder of the collection. If that doesn’t take your fancy then why not enjoy a magical ride on the Faversham Miniature Railway, which winds its way through the heart of the orchards – the apples are out in full glory and they’re a spectacular sight to see! Come and purchase a wide variety of apples to take home with you – fill a basket with your favourites and enjoy a pick and mix selection. Conscious of the environment, this year we are making an effort to reduce all plastic waste so all our apple sales will be using eco-friendly bags. Don’t forget to bring your apple samples from home along and meet our resident Pomologist Joan Morgan, who will help you identify your mystery apple tree. The scientists behind the research at Brogdale are here to meet you, taking you up to view the fascinating fruit trials and telling you all about the valuable research the National Fruit Collection provides. Discover new skills with a huge range of talks and demonstrations – learn about everything from spoon whittling to baking to bee keeping and more! Get stuck into some festival fun with the longest apple peel competition, apple eating challenge and festival games, which are sure to bring out your competitive side. You can take aim with the have-a-go archery or bring out you inner Viking with axe welding. The National Apple Festival at Brogdale is fun for all the family. The little ones won’t miss out with lots of free activities such as face painting, a bouncy pirate ship and kid’s apple crafts, including make your own bobbing apple boat, follow the apple trail and carve a spooky shrunken apple head just in time for Halloween. Say hello to Bramble the pig & friends in animal corner, and learn all about snakes and lizards with our resident reptiles. Be amazed by the incredible falconry display, as the birds swoop and soar through the air. After all that you can relax to live music playing all weekend with great local bands. Shop local craft & produce or sample some delicious food and drink. Take a seat in the pop up apple tearoom where you can enjoy a slice of homemade apple pie made using Brogdale’s own apples or take one home to have later! A whole weekend of apple fun for all the family! Book now for early bird discount tickets with 10% off ticket prices. Discount tickets available until 18^th October 2019. Tickets can be pre-booked though the website www.brogdalecollections.org or by contacting Brogdale Collections on 01795 536250. Tickets will be available on the gate during the festival weekend.