In 1976, local people came together to save a derelict piece of land in Bedminster, south Bristol, from developers. Windmill Hill City Farm is now the oldest city farm outside London.
The Farm Christmas Fair on Saturday 12 December, 11am-4pm, admission only £1, marks the start of a year of 40th birthday celebrations. It will be a fun-filled day with tons of attractions for kids, adults and families, including:
- The launch of the WHCF Anniversary Calendar – featuring photographs taken and voted on by visitors and farm staff
- Not one, but two grottos! Grab a gift in the traditional Santa’s Grotto or mine for gems in the Crystal Caves (go into a dark cave and bash away until you unearth a beautiful crystal to take home…)
- Mulled wine (made to a secret farm recipe!), mince pies & roast chestnuts
- Christmas trees for sale
- Christmas market with locally made gifts
- Children’s Christmas crafts
- Tombola
- Live music: local musicians play alternative versions of your favourite carols!
- Barbecue selling farm-reared rose veal
- Camp fire
And there’s one more special attraction – help the farm kick off its year of birthday celebrations by visiting the Fabulous Farm Photobooth – make a small donation and have your picture taken – share with the world why you love the city farm!
The City Farm’s birthday year will be launched at this year’s Christmas Fair, and closed at the fair one year later in December 2016. Throughout the year the team want to involve, and to be involved in, their local community, and they’ll be encouraging people to support them by becoming a Farm Friend (only £10 for one year). They’ll also be teaming up with local partners and joining community activities like Upfest and Bedminster Lantern Parade.