Northampton farm builds ‘spooktacular’ spider display for pumpkin picking event

Smith’s Farm shop is opening up their fields for pumpkin picking for the second year running ahead of Halloween - except, this year, the Brampton shop team pulled together to build an incredible eight foot spider display to accompany the event.

Members of the public will be able to pose for pictures in front of the ‘spooktacular’ spider display and share the event to social media.

Shoppers are also being encouraged to enter a pumpkin carving competition by posting their artwork onto Twitter with the hashtag ‘#HalloweenAtSmiths2020’. The chosen winner will be unveiled on Twitter and will be awarded with a bag of scary goodies from the shop.

The owner of Smith’s Farm shop, Adrian Smith - having already seen increased numbers of visitors to the farm prior to the forthcoming school holiday - has asked people to stick to the rule of six and assured the public that social distancing measures will be in place.

He said: “Providing people adhere to the rule of six people, pumpkin-picking in the great outdoors is relatively risk free during the pandemic and is guaranteed to be fun. But our customers’ safety is our number one priority, so we’re urging people to avoid busy times when they come to pick their pumpkins otherwise we’ll be forced to turn visitors away.

“Last year we only got busy during half term, but we’ve already seen increased numbers prior to the forthcoming school holiday. I think families are looking for activities to do which are fun and safe, which is completely understandable.”

Customers inside the shop will be limited to adhere to social distancing rules and everyone will be required to wear their masks in the shop.

Mr Smith is advising that families who have babies, toddlers and children of pre-school or nursery age should consider visiting the farm this week from today (October 19), which is one week prior to half term.

He added: “This week, before half term starts, we’re expecting a lot of kids to come by and visit from 3pm onwards, when schools close. I recommend families with small kids should come along before that.

“We have plenty of pumpkins available but to ensure everyone remains safe, I’m asking that people steer clear of peak times over half term. Last year, our busy periods were between 11am to 3pm. But we’re open from 9am to 530pm, so there’s plenty of time for people to visit.”

Shoppers have access to the field right up until Halloween on Saturday October 31.