Harvest Festival marks farm’s golden year

A Newcastle community farm is marking its 50th anniversary with the return of a free festival celebrating food, farming and the changing seasons.

Ouseburn Farm will host its Harvest Festival on September 19, following the success of the inaugural event last year.

Running from 10am to 5pm, the family-friendly celebration will feature traditional activities, live entertainment and opportunities to meet the farm’s animals.

Highlights include:

Food competitions featuring categories such as funniest vegetable and tastiest conserve
A children’s fell race and sheep race
A community harvest feast featuring produce from the farm and local organisations
Live music from the Byker Hillbillies
A free farm-themed photobooth
Anniversary craft activities for children

The festival forms part of celebrations marking five decades since Ouseburn Farm was established in 1976.

Created after parents from Byker took over a plot of land to give local children opportunities to experience nature, grow food and care for animals, the charity now welcomes more than 40,000 visitors annually.

It also operates as a care farm, providing placements and activities for adults with learning disabilities and autistic people, helping participants develop skills, confidence and friendships.

Katie Bates, farm manager at Ouseburn Farm, said: “This is an incredibly special year for Ouseburn Farm as we celebrate our 50th anniversary.

“Since 1976, the Farm has been a place where people can come together, connect with nature and feel part of a community, and generations of families have grown up visiting us.

“Our Harvest Festival is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate that history and everything people continue to love about the Farm.

“We can’t wait to welcome families, friends and neighbours, whether they have known us for decades or are discovering us for the first time, for a day of traditional farm fun right here in the heart of Newcastle.”

Entry to both the farm and Harvest Festival is free, although donations are welcomed.

As a registered charity, Ouseburn Farm relies on donations, grants and fundraising to continue providing its community activities and keeping the attraction free to visit.

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