Sompting Pumpkins rounds off busy 2026 season after thousands of people visited

Caroline Harriott is a tenant farmer at Lychpole Farm, where Sompting Pumpkins is based, and runs the month-long celebration with the help of her farming team and local youngsters.

She said: “We had a blast, with lots of lovely families making memories. They came, they decorated, they carved and they ate their pumpkins.

"They went home with recipes and realising where their food comes from from field to fork.

“We had a warm feeling in our hearts and we were sad when it finished.”

Around 70,000 seeds were planted in early June on the 10-acre space. Caroline said they waited until they were sure there would be some rain, and they planted them then to ensure they would be able to bed down. She said the five heatwaves this summer made for an anxious wait to see if they would grow, but the end of August and the return of some rain led to a growth spurt meaning they had a great crop.

As well as pumpkin-picking, the event featured arts and crafts, photo opportunities, trailer rides and food and drink trucks.

Thousands of families visited and enjoyed the event, one of the few pumpkin picking experiences with free entry and parking.

Caroline added: "We raised over £2,000 for Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice and for West Sussex Mind we raised over £1,000

“We had loads of local groups, like Beavers, Scouts, Cubs, Squirrels, SEND pupils, nursery children and more come on the days we were shut.

"The fields produced a marvellous crop of pumpkins and a load of smiles. From the bottom of our hearts the team is so grateful for everybody that came and made it a magical time.”

Charity Sussex Surplus visited the fields this week to pick all the remaining edible pumpkins and squashes to make meals for people in need.

Caroline said: “It is lovely to collaborate with them again this year, and to make sure that nothing goes to waste.”