Ulverston Apple Day to return to Ford Park this October
A popular autumn event celebrating apples, local produce and community life will return to Ulverston later this year.
Apple Day will take place at Ford Park on Saturday, October 3, from 11am until 3pm.
The organisers have described it as one of their favourite community events of the year. Entry will be free, making it an affordable day out for local families.
What is Apple Day?
Apple Day is an annual celebration of apples, orchards and the start of autumn.
The event brings residents and visitors together at Ford Park, which sits below Hoad Hill in Ulverston.
It usually includes activities linked to apples, gardening, food and traditional family fun. Local traders and community groups have also attended previous events.
Full details of the 2026 programme have not yet been announced.
Apple pressing expected to be a main attraction
Apple pressing has been one of the most popular parts of previous Apple Days.
Visitors have been invited to bring apples from their gardens and watch them being turned into fresh juice. People have also been asked to bring clean bottles or containers to take the juice home.
The rules, times and any charge for apple pressing may change this year. Visitors should check the latest information before attending.
Previous Apple Day events have also included children’s crafts, traditional games, plant and apple sales, local stalls and the Apple Day Bake Off.
Apple-inspired Bake Off
The Apple Day Bake Off has become another popular part of the event.
In past years, people of all ages have entered cakes, pies, tarts, preserves and chutneys made using apples.
Entries have been judged on their taste, appearance and use of apples. The friendly contest has been open to both experienced bakers and people trying a new recipe at home.
Organisers have not yet confirmed whether the competition will return in the same form for 2026.
Ford Park has its own apple trees
Ford Park is a fitting home for the event because apples grow across several parts of the site.
The park has at least 17 apple varieties, as well as crab apple, pear, plum, greengage and quince trees.
Fruit trees can be found in the walled garden, beside the Coach House, around the play area and in the community orchard. Varieties include Red Devil, Ribston Pippin, Keswick Codling and Lane’s Prince Albert.
The trees also help children learn where fruit comes from and how to tell when an apple is ready to eat.
Free community event
Ford Park is managed by a local charity and supported by staff, volunteers, donations and fundraising.
The park remains open throughout the year and includes an orchard, playground, woodland paths, open fields and a walled garden.
Money raised through its events, plant sales, parking donations and other activities helps pay for the care of the park and its facilities.
Further information about Apple Day’s stalls, activities and apple pressing arrangements is expected closer to the event.
Apple Day will take place at Ford Park, Ulverston, on Saturday, October 3, from 11am to 3pm.
