- Date: Sunday, 15th September 2024
- Time: 10am – 3pm
- Location: Townhead Village Hall, G4 0PL
It has been over 10 years since the Townhead Community Orchard was planted in 2013 with the help of local residents and volunteers, and we’re celebrating by hosting a special Apple Festival!
The Orchard is now a flourishing space that serves the community, providing fruit from Scottish Heritage apple trees, plums and pears, creating a natural gathering place for residents. This Festival is a tribute to the orchard’s success and its role in bringing people together. We’re inviting everyone to join in with the celebrations at this fun-filled family event.
Townhead Orchard’s growth from 2013 to 2016 and 2024 (left to right)
The festival not only highlights the orchard’s importance but also showcases the creative talents of local children and provides practical advice on orchard care. Families can learn about home grown food and get involved in a range of creative activities for free.
What’s On:
- Pruning and Orchard Skills Workshop: Led by Andrew Lear, the Appletreeman, from 10:30am – 12:00pm. Attendees will learn how to care for fruit trees, identify different varieties, and sample fresh apples.
- Children’s Performances: Watch the pupils from St Mungo’s Primary School informally showcase their creative talents through mini-performances and sharings in the hall from 1:30pm – 2:30pm.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Enjoy free apple-themed home baking and tea, children’s storytelling sessions, apple crafts, apple dookin’ and juicing, live music, and face painting throughout the day. You can also learn about volunteering in the Orchard and garden. See the Townhead Community Orchard & Garden Facebook Page here.
Placing local Children at the Heart
Over a 5 week block, local pupils from the nearby St Mungo’s Primary School in Townhead have been participating in outdoor creative sessions lead by a drama artist. These sessions, which take place in the school playground, are designed to connect students with nature and foster creative expression in a dynamic outdoor learning environment. They have been gearing up for a unique performance all to do with apples, and the culmination of their hard work will be showcased at the Townhead Apple Festival, where they will take centre stage.
Drama Artist Roisin McLinden leading Creative Engagement Sessions at St Mungo’s Primary School
All of Eco Drama’s work is deeply rooted in environmental focus and reminding people that we are all part of an amazing living planet. The Forgotten Orchard show and community engagement aspects emphasise the importance of local food and environmental stewardship, encouraging children to develop a lifelong connection to nature.
With thanks to Glasgow City Council’s Community and Place Fund and Charcoal Blue for supporting this work. The Forgotten Orchard Project and Eco Drama are gratefully supported by many other funders.
We’re also very grateful to Townhead Village Hall for partnering with us on this event, Tunnock’s for providing sweet treats and Stockan’s for providing oatcakes for attendees to nibble during the festival!
