MP visits Slindon's Pumpkin Festival

Arundel and South Downs MP Nick Herbert called into Slindon's Pumpkin Festival on Friday (4 October).

The spectacular annual display of pumpkins and squashes is now open at Pumpkin Cottage, Top Road, in Slindon village.

Ralph Upton started this tradition 40 years ago, growing dozens of different varieties of these seasonal vegetables.  His son Robin now continues to keep the tradition going, and last year attracted 15,000 visitors into the village, which has been christened Britain's pumpkin capital.

As well as displaying and selling many varieties of pumpkins and squashes, Robin has created a large mural made entirely from the vegetables.  This year's theme is Cinderella, a story famous for a carriage being made from a pumpkin.

After the visit, Nick Herbert said: "The pumpkin display is quite spectacular and I'm not surprised that so many people visit Slindon to see it.  Not only that but there is every variety and of pumpkin imaginable on sale, ready for Halloween.  What an amazing feature Robin has created!"

ENDS

Notes

1.    Coverage in The Daily Telegraph  http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/features/3638094/The-pumpkin-kings-crowning-glory.html