Maiden Castle Farm sunflower trial to return for 2024
It'll be in support of DCH's Emergency and Critical Care Appeal
Visitors to Maiden Castle Farm near Dorchester will be able to enjoy a spectacular sunflower trail again this summer.
This year's display is in aid of Dorset County Hospital's Emergency and Critical Care Appeal.
The farm's also added a new event, a 5km or 10km run through the sunflower fields and around Maiden Castle!
Dorchester Town Council’s Matilda Manley said:
“We’re running a number of special events to tie in with the sunflower theme – these include a Sunflower Summer Spectacle in Dorchester on Saturday 24 August with fun family activities for all ages.”
A new art competition is also being launched, with four categories of painters encouraged to take part, from expert to under 16s.
They'll be asked to paint or draw the sunflowers, to be judged by a small panel.
Dorset County Hospital Arts in Hospital Manager, Suzy Rushbrook said:
“We’re really looking forward to this element of the sunflower summer – to bring together new and established local artists in a beautiful setting to create their own works of art. We hope to exhibit some of the winning paintings in the hospital’s new Emergency Department when it’s finished, so more people can enjoy them.”
Hazel Hoskin of Maiden Castle Farm said:
“We’ll have to wait and see what the weather brings before we can provide the exact dates the sunflower trails will open, but keep an eye on our website so that you can book your tickets early as soon as they go on sale. We’re keeping the price the same as last year, just £5 per person. We’ll also have activities for children to take part in as they explore the trails.
“We’ve also got an amazing raffle with prizes including a fantastic driftwood sculpture and driftwood art workshops, to create your own sculpture to take home. Plus Sundowner events in the evening – perfect for watching the sun set over the sunflowers - and a pilates evening!”