URE LIFE

Harvest festivals and Apple Day are cherished autumn traditions across the UK, celebrating the richness of the season and our deep-rooted connection to the land. Typically held in September and October, these community-focused events mark the end of the growing season and offer a time to give thanks for nature’s abundance.

Harvest festivals often take place in village halls, churches, or community centres, featuring displays of local produce, homemade goods, seasonal crafts, and traditional music. They’re a wonderful way to support local farmers and artisans while reconnecting with rural traditions.

Apple Day, originally launched by Common Ground in 1990, shines a spotlight on the apple’s cultural and ecological significance. Events include apple pressing, orchard walks, cider tastings, and apple-themed games for all ages. From heritage apple varieties to sustainable growing practices, Apple Day encourages communities to appreciate local food and biodiversity.

Whether you’re in Ripon, Thirsk, Boroughbridge, or Knaresborough, these autumn events offer something for everyone. They’re perfect for families, food lovers, and anyone who enjoys a vibrant countryside atmosphere. For the best seasonal experiences in North Yorkshire, don’t miss your local harvest festival or Apple Day celebration this autumn.

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Apple Day at Newby Hall and Gardens, Skelton-on-Ure

Newby Hall will be concluding its 2025 season with its annual Apple Day celebrations on Sunday 29th September. Central to Apple Day is the hotly contested Apple Throwing Championships where whoever throws an Apple the furthest over the River Ure wins the prestigious title and trophy. Alongside the throwing event is apple pressing demonstrations, cider tasting, a display of the many apple varieties grown in our orchards and advice on all things fruity from our expert friends at the Northern Fruit Group. There is also a performance from Harrogate Spa Uke’s and the new World Jam Festival. Entrance includes touring the gardens and adventure playground, with the option to also book house tours, river boat cruises, or steam train rides.

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Apple Day at Ripon Walled Garden

On Saturday 4^th October 2025 between 9.30 am and 5.30 pm, Ripon Walled Garden are hosting a free Apple Day Celebrations event. Press your own apples, play orchard games, visit the petting farm, stroll the autumnal woodland walk, browse the stalls, and enjoy live the music, bar drinks, hot food, and refreshments on offer

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Celebration of Farming Harvest Festival, Christ the Consoler, Skelton-on-Ure

On Sunday 5th October 2025 at 10.30 am at the Christ the Consoler Newby Hall Church, there will be an opportunity to thank the local farming community. This family-friendly church service also involves tractors and refreshments.

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Harvest Festival, All Saints Church, Kirby Hill

On Sunday 21st September at 11.00am, the local community are invited to share in an all age worship service celebrating ‘what a wonderful world’ we live in. Also accepting food bank donations.

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Snape Autumn Festival, Village Green Masham

On Sunday 19th October between 11.00 am – 2.00 pm, Snape Institute are hosting a fun-filled autumn celebration for all ages, proudly supported by Masham Cider Press. Watch apple pressing demos, visit the cider bar, play traditional games, enter the conker competition, browse the stalls, enter the raffles, and enjoy delicious hot food. Plus, you can bring your own apples to turn into Snape Apple Juice and Cider or you can donate unwanted apples to the Snape pot to help the community reduce waste.

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Further Afield: Apple Day & Harvest Events in West Yorkshire

Apple Day at Meanwood Valley Urban Farm, Leeds

On Thursday 16th October between 4.00 – 9.00 pm, Meanwood Valley Urban Farm are hosting an Apple Day evening event in their Open Barn with live music and dancing, bar, food, a raffle, and of course, apple juice! Visit their website or Facebook page for more details.

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