Old Park Farm Garden Holders Association

31st Aug 2026 by Carol Brier-Secretary

Old Park Allotments: Members Co-operative The Open Day Harvest Show & Sizzling Barbecue

Event Schedule & Details

Date: Saturday, 26th September 2026
Location: The Polytunnel & Site Car Park
Staging Opens: 11:00 AM
Entries Close: 12:45 PM Sharp
Judging Commences: 1:00 PM
Admission: Free Entry — all members, family, and friends welcome!
Rule: Any class with only 1 entry will be voided.

How to Enter in 3 Easy Steps

Choose what you want to enter: Pick anything you have grown on your plot that matches the categories below. You can enter as many classes as you like!
Bring your crops (11:00 AM – 12:45 PM): Bring them to the staging tables in the Polytunnel. Entry cards and paper plates will be provided for you.
Enjoy the Show & BBQ (From 1:00 PM): Judging starts at 1:00 PM. Once the winners are chosen, the barbecue opens, awards are presented, and the raffle is drawn.

Simple Rules to Remember

All produce and flowers must be grown on your own plot at Old Park Farm.
For sets (like 3 carrots or 5 potatoes), try to pick items that match in size and shape.
If only 1 person enters a specific class, that class cannot be judged.
Class 26 (The Biggest Disaster): Anyone can enter! Bring your wonkiest carrot, two-headed tomato, or funny crop failure for a laugh.

Section 1: Roots, Bulbs & Alliums

Class 1: Beetroot (Round) – 3 specimens (60–75mm)
Class 3: Carrots – 3 specimens (straight tapers)
Class 5: Beetroot (Long) – 3 specimens (approx. 150mm)
Class 7: Leeks – 3 specimens (solid, parallel blanch)
Class 10: Onions – 3 specimens (red or white)
Class 10A: Best Root Trio – 1 parsnip, 1 carrot, 1 potato/leek
Class 11: Parsnips – 3 specimens (even taper)
Class 14: Potatoes – 5 specimens (200–250g)
Class 17: Shallots – 6 specimens (thin necks, tied)
Class 22: Swede / Turnip – 1 single root
Class 23: Garlic – 3 bulbs (tied over)

Section 2: Vines, Greens & Brassicas

Class 2: Cabbage – 1 solid head (short stem)
Class 4: Cauliflower – 1 close, solid white head
Class 6: Cucumber – 1 fresh, straight specimen
Class 8: Lettuce – 1 clean head (staged in water)
Class 12: Chillies (Hot) – 3 specimens with stalks
Class 13: Sweet Peppers – 3 firm specimens with stalks
Class 16: Runner / French Beans – 6 matched, tender pods
Class 18: Sweetcorn – 2 well-set cobs
Class 19: Beef Tomatoes – 3 ripe specimens (75mm+ with stalks)
Class 20: Medium Tomatoes – 6 ripe specimens (approx. 60mm with stalks)
Class 21: Cherry Tomatoes – 9 ripe specimens (35mm or less with stalks)
Class 24: Culinary Herbs – 1 fresh pot or staged bunch

Section 3: Giants, Fruits & Novelty Crops

Class 9: Marrow (Table) – 1 specimen (under 350mm)
Class 9A: Heaviest Marrow – Monster scale (heaviest wins)
Class 15: Pumpkin (Table) – 1 specimen (even shape)
Class 15A: Heaviest Pumpkin – Giant scale (heaviest wins)
Class 16A: Longest Runner Bean – Tip-to-tip measurement
Class 25: Winter / Summer Squash – 1 specimen
Class 27: Other Large Veg – 1 specimen (e.g. aubergine, kale)
Class 28: Other Medium Veg – 3 specimens (e.g. okra, fennel)
Class 29: Other Small Veg – 6 specimens (e.g. radishes, peas in pod)
Class 30: Other Large Fruit – 1 specimen (e.g. melon, peach, plum)
Class 31: Other Small Fruit – 1 plate of soft berries
Class 32: Apples / Pears – 3 specimens (single or mixed variety)

Section 4: Flowers & Novelty Awards

Class 33: Specimen Single Bloom – 1 star stem (dahlia, gladioli, rose, chrysanthemum)
Class 34: Vase of 3 Flowers – 3 blooms of one species
Class 35: Vase of 6 Flowers – 6 blooms of one species
Class 36: Best Mixed Bunch – Cottage garden bunch in a 5-inch vase
Class 26: The Biggest Disaster! – Funniest wonky vegetable or crop failure

Community Barbecue, Tea Tent & Raffle

Hot food straight off the barbecue after judging finishes.
Tea, coffee, and homemade cakes available on-site.
BYOB Welcome: Bring your own beer, wine, or cider.
Harvest raffle draw with gardening hampers and prizes.

Posted in Home |