In Pontefract, the Farmer Copleys Pumpkin Festival attracts families and individuals engaging in various activities amidst fields filled with pumpkins. Attendees include a small child dressed as Spider-Man, while others pose for photos in festive attire against a backdrop of pumpkins and hay bales. The festival showcases the growing trend of pumpkin-themed products in the UK, with supermarkets offering a range of items from pumpkin mugs to soap dispensers.
The pumpkin, originally introduced to the UK in the 16th century, has evolved into a multifaceted symbol of autumn festivities. Food historian Annie Gray notes that although pumpkins were once used in recipes, their appeal as a food has diminished, partly due to the taste of carving pumpkins. Increased marketing and social media presence have led to a surge in the pumpkin’s popularity, with many farm attractions capitalizing on this trend.
Farmer Copley, who started the first pumpkin festival in the UK in 2006, now sees daily attendance capped at 8,000 due to overwhelming interest. The festival features activities such as vintage rides, live music, and various culinary offerings centered around pumpkins. With competition from other pumpkin patches rising, Copley notes that farmers view pumpkin cultivation as a viable diversification strategy.
While pumpkins are often linked to Halloween, their influence has expanded beyond spooky themes into broader autumn decor. The phenomenon raises questions about sustainability, as many pumpkins go unsold and end up wasted. Copley mentioned that about 10% of the pumpkins typically remain unpicked, which are then composted for soil enrichment. This situation prompts discussions about the environmental impact of pumpkin cultivation and consumption.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/oct/08/pumpkin-power-festivals-october-how-a-garish-gourd-took-over-the-world