Main Fundraising Event
Return of the Cherry Stone Spitting Competition
Outdoor Theatre
Brogdale Cherry Festival is set to take place on the 19th and 20th of July to celebrate the extensive collection of cherry varieties in the National Fruit Collection. The Cherry Festival is one of the main fundraising events to keep the collections open to the public.
The annual event is now in its 8th year and the older it gets, the wackier it gets! The longest cherry stone spitting competition was introduced last year with an impressive 53ft record for the weekend. Visitors will be challenged to make attempts at beating the Brogdale record which is currently held by Gareth Fairlie.
A creative display of cherry varieties will showcase the vast variation in the varieties and plenty will be available to taste and buy. Tours of the orchards on foot or tractor trailer will reveal the history, heritage and tales of the different cultivars.
Families can enjoy an outdoor theatre performance based on the tale of Hansel and Gretel. Actor Kelly White comments; “our show is designed to be entertaining and funny for the children and adults, we like to get everyone involved”.
Bernie Cranfield, Events and Marketing Manager adds; “we try to introduce new things each year to ensure our visitors have an interactive and enjoyable day”.
Local producers to attend the event will include Margate Smoke House, The Cheese Box, Kentish Cobnuts and Amos Bank Preserves. The craft market will also offer a range of clothing, cards, soaps and ceramics. The Food Court will have a range of offerings including Indian Cuisine, BBQ, Crepes, Mexican and Italian.
Further entertainment for the children will include crafts, a bouncy castle, teddy bear parachute and face-painting.
Tickets are available online www.brogdalecollections.co.uk for a discounted price or can be purchased on the gate for £8.00 Adult, £4.00 Child or £20.00 a family.
