CRAWLEY, UK – Europe’s largest pumpkin festival has officially kicked off its 2026 season with a record-breaking surge in attendance, cementing its status as the UK’s premier autumn destination. Tulleys Farm, located near Crawley, reported its highest-ever opening day turnout on Saturday, September 19, marking a significant milestone for the fourth-generation family-run enterprise.
What began years ago as a humble, traditional farm pumpkin patch has transformed into a sprawling, 100-acre immersive experience. Fuelled by viral social media success and a growing reputation among celebrities and families alike, the festival has evolved into an annual pilgrimage for those looking to celebrate the harvest season in style.
At the heart of this year’s expansion is the highly anticipated “Pumpkin Valley.” The new landscaped area represents the largest project ever undertaken by the farm, featuring intricate water elements, including streams and ponds, crossed by rustic wooden bridges. Visitors can explore whimsical structures like a Hobbit House and a dedicated Pumpkin Farm House, all set amidst giant pumpkin sculptures.
“Seeing the Pumpkin Valley full of visitors for the first time on opening day was a really proud moment for everyone here,” said Stuart Beare, owner of Tulleys Farm. “When we first started growing pumpkins, we could never have imagined what the festival would eventually become. We wanted to create an entirely new part of the event rather than simply adding another display, and seeing families finally exploring it has made all that hard work worthwhile.”
The sheer scale of the operation is staggering. This year’s crop is supported by the planting of approximately 600,000 seeds, resulting in a staggering 1.5 million pumpkins and gourds across more than 100 different varieties. Beyond the fields, the festival grounds offer an array of attractions, including a 33-metre observation wheel, over 30 dedicated photo opportunities, roaming street theatre, and live music.
Despite the massive expansion and its newfound status as a national attraction, Beare insists that the core of the experience remains unchanged. “There is something very simple at the heart of it,” he noted. “Families come here, choose their pumpkins, and spend time together.”
The festival is set to run until October 31. Additionally, the farm will host its popular “Pumpkin Nights” on selected evenings starting September 26. These separately ticketed events offer a different atmosphere, featuring illuminated woodland walks, live music stages, and seasonal street food, with the newly opened Pumpkin Valley included in the evening experience for the first time.
As the season continues, Tulleys Farm invites visitors to experience the results of months of preparation by the Beare family and their dedicated team. Tickets for the general festival and the nighttime events can be booked online at PumpkinFarm.co.uk and PumpkinNights.co.uk, respectively.
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