FAMILIES are invited to celebrate the season in style when Hearth, Bishop Auckland’s new community regeneration programme, hosts a free-to-attend Horticultural & Produce Show in the grounds of Auckland Palace on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 September.
Following the success of Medieval Mayhem, Hearth’s launch and first “Beacon” event, this autumn gathering will bring people together to share the best of the region’s gardens, allotments, kitchens, and creativity.
The show will feature open classes for vegetables, flowers, home baking, preserves, and more, with plenty of opportunities for children to get involved through fun competitions designed just for them.
Beyond the show tent, visitors can enjoy family-friendly activities all weekend, including the inaugural “Grow-lympic Games”, traditional fairground games, and the chance to craft a harvest crown for the Last Sheaf Parade. The event will also feature a community Big Bulb Planting, hands-on apple pressing, roving entertainment, and live performances from Bearpark & Esh Colliery Band and a ‘Huge Harvest Home’ ceilidh dance with local folk favourites Colpitt’s Ceilidh Band (formerly Rough Shot).
On the Bowling Green, visitors can stop by the Palace Farm Shop, serving freshly prepared food and drink for purchase across the weekend. The menu will feature hearty, home-style favourites including artisan pies, handcrafted sausage rolls, homemade soups, freshly baked breads, scones, quiches, chutneys, loaf cakes, sweet treats, children’s picnic boxes, and more, alongside hot and cold drinks.
Ali Hone, Network Lead for Hearth, said: “The Harvest Show is about celebrating the talent, creativity, and traditions of our community. It’s a chance for people of all ages to come together, share what they’ve grown or made, and enjoy a weekend of simple, joyful activities in the grounds of Auckland Palace.
“We look forward welcoming people to wang their best wellies in the inaugural ‘Grow-lympic Games’!”
Events begin each day at 11am, with the Horticultural and Produce Show tent opening from 12pm. Thanks to generous external support, entry is free.
This is the second in Hearth’s series of Beacon Events, each designed to spark community connection and creativity. Hearth is developed in partnership with The Auckland Project and supported by SHED.
