Last weekend the Boo Roo and Tigger Too household headed off to Gressenham Hall for Festival on the Farm. Celebrating it’s third year I have to confess it is the first year that I had heard anything about the festival.
With a family ticket priced at just £29.00 for an all-inclusive ticket (The Gruffalo Feast was an optional extra at £4.00 per chld) it sounded great value for money so we headed off to see what the festival had instore for us.
Upon arrival I was surprised to see that we didn’t actually require a ticket to the event as we are Norfolk Musuem Pass holders for which we gain free entry to Gressenham Hall including special events. I do feel that this needs to be advertised better next year, as I feel more museum pass holders would have attended the event had they know about it and that it was included within their annual pass fee.
We free amble parking and plenty of space for a family picnic it was lovely not to worry about spending any extra money.
Gressenham Hall is the site of an old Victorian workhouse, which had festival stalls and and activities dotted around the gardens and outside areas of the site. The workhouse itself was still open and available for viewing through the festival which if you have never visited before is an amazing day out, although I suggest popping back on a quieter day so that you can take in all it has to offer.
Kids Fitness Area
Breckland Council had set up a kids fitness activities area over on the Gressenham Farm. Whilst I knew that Roo would be happy to join in the fun I was not expecting Tigger to request to join in first. With a range of activities available from stacking cups, jumping frogs, beanbag balancing and rocket throwing. The children were invited to take part in the fitness activities against the clock with a prize for the fastest competitors… not surprisingly Roo and Tigger didn’t win but they really had fun taking part.
Tractor Ride
A trip to farm wouldn’t be complete without a tractor ride and we weren’t disappointed… well maybe Tigger was a little when we told him that he wasn’t able to drive the tractor!
Gressenham Farm
After our tractor ride we decided to take a walk around the Gressenham Farm, taking a peek at the pigs, sheep and even attempting to milk a cow… well not a real cow but fun all the same. With a range of animals to see, gardening activities to join in with and lovely walks to enjoy around the farm it is easy to spend an hour or two just down on the farm.
Gruffalo Shadow Puppet Theatre
Upon entering I thought is was a show that would showcase The Gruffalo story via the magic of shadow puppets, however we were greeted with a mountain of different crafting accessories. The children were invited to make their own character from The Gruffalo’s Child story, with Tigger opting for the Big Bad Mouse! and Roo opting for the Owl.
With templates to trace around, felt tip pens, glue sticks and plenty of different materials to stick on the kids were in craft heaven. Once their creatures were ready the lady showed them behind the screen and with the help of different types of torches Mr Boo and I were treated to a little Gruffalo story.
Goodies Explore Tour
One the front lawn of Gressenham Hall the Goodies Explore Tour land rover was parked up ready for kiddies to have their photo taken with it and if you shared your snap on Twitter they were hosting a giveaway. Alongside the land rover the lovely people from Goodies also had a stall where children could enjoy crafts and learn about plants and food.
Adventure Play Park
Why it that no matter how much children complain that they are tired an don’t want to walk any more, they see an adventure play park and suddenly they gain a second wind. The large park is made up of several areas, with fun to be had on several levels. From slides, climbing frames, zip wire and a giant spiders web Roo had an amazing time exploring the park. Tigger approaches things more cautiously however enjoyed strolling around taking in all the park had to offer, but especially fell in love with a summer house within the toddlers play area.
Boo Roo and Tigger Too’s thoughts…
The day was fun filled and tiring, personally I think the day is more geared up for under 8’s as many of the activities are craft based and may not interest older children. Having been to Gressenham Hall previously we were familiar with with layout, although the goodie pack you received when you entry contains a handy map/guide.
I do feel that the advertising of the event needs to be looked at for next year, personally I would say that they need to collaborate with schools much better to gain interest from their target market.
Disclosure: We received a family ticket FOC in order to review the festival.
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