Ready to embrace the tastes, aromas and colours of autumn?
A harvest-style celebration of orchard produce and community spirit is coming to Fulham Palace next month with the return of its annual Apple Day event.
Live music, garden games, orchard tours and an autumnal artisan market will bring the fun to the family-friendly event on Sunday 5 October.
Visitors to the festival can enjoy apple pressing sessions, an apple cake baking competition and goodies grown in the heritage site's extensive garden.
Now in its 13th year, the Apple Day event includes activities for adults and children throughout Fulham Palace's 13 acre garden in Bishop's Avenue.
Harvest happenings
Tours of the historic orchard and walled garden will include a chance to discover the unique heritage apple varieties grown at the centuries-old former home of the Bishops of London, from Api Noir and Barchard's Seedling to Boston Russett and Golden Pearmain.
Visitors can also try their hand at apple pressing to make fresh juice, explore a seasonal pumpkin display and find out about Fulham Palace's own flock of chickens from the expert garden team.
Running from 11am to 4pm, the vibrant Apple Day celebration will host a crafts and food market throughout the garden, with around 50 artisan stalls including the Palace's own garden barrow stall with organically grown produce, jams, and chutneys.
Children can enjoy music-making, craft sessions, and facepainting, as well as a themed trail around the open space.
Sewing bee volunteers will share stories of Palace gardeners from years gone by, with dressing up, role play and hands-on fun balancing apple baskets.
Archery tag and zorbing are among activities in the walled garden, while visitors can also check out lawn games including chess and connect 4.
Baking fans can share their mouthwatering creations in an apple cake baking competition, with categories for adults and juniors aged 14 and under.
Join the fun
"Apple Day is always a highlight of our year," says Raphaela Ashford, event organiser at Fulham Palace.
"We're so excited to welcome everyone back to celebrate the harvest with music, stalls, games and of course apples. By buying a ticket, visitors are not only enjoying a fantastic day out but also helping us care for the Palace and continuing to host a variety of events and activities."
Find out more about the Apple Day event and buy advance tickets on Fulham Palace's website.
