Pershore College is preparing to welcome hundreds of visitors as it opens its doors to local people for its inaugural community open day.
Families from across the region are being invited to a free community open day on Saturday, October 7 at the renowned horticulture college.
The community open day will see the college site on Avonbank open to the public and taken over by a wide range of fun and educational activities, with experts from across the college also sharing their expertise on subjects such as gardening, animal welfare and tree surgery.
A map has been produced to help visitors explore the college and the wide range of activities on offer.
The event is being held in the heart of apple pressing season and a particular highlight will be Pershore Press, the college’s independent juice and cider production facility, hosting a live demonstration showing how it mills and presses apples to make fresh juice.
There will also be opportunities to help use the hand-operated press to create fresh juice and taste the results.
Visitors will be able to attend a demonstration on how to create the perfect hanging basket, while one of the region’s leading gardening experts, Duncan Coombs, will be providing expert advice.
Pershore College’s arboriculture team will be on-hand to provide advice on trees, fungi and choosing a tree surgeon as well as holding tree climbing demonstrations.
Families will be able to explore the grounds of Pershore College, which include gardens and a maze, and have the chance to see a range of agricultural machinery up close.
Children will be able to tour the college’s Animal Welfare Centre and feed a variety of animals which call the college home, including donkeys, pigs and goats.
The college has also curated a farmer’s market which will be held on the day, featuring food, crafts, and gifts from small businesses in the surrounding area.
The market will feature Lulu Lollipop Designs, Little Bakes of Moreton-in-Marsh, Brockleby’s Pies, Stitchery Shed and Pud Puds, who will also be joined by Worcestershire Wildlife Trust.
Helen Kinghorn, Pershore College Director, said: “We recognise the huge part that the college plays in the community here in Pershore, Wychavon and Worcestershire more widely.
“We wanted to take this opportunity to invite the community into our college and see why Pershore College is so much more than just a college.
“Many people may not have ever had the chance to visit the college, and this is a great opportunity for them to gain an insight into what we do, but also it will be the perfect opportunity to welcome back some familiar faces and people who have studied with us over the years.
“Everyone is really excited for the day and staff have worked hard to put together a vast range of activities for all the family to enjoy. It is set to be a fantastic day and we look forward to welcoming everyone to Pershore College.”
Pershore College’s Garden Centre & Nursery will also be holding its Autumn sales weekend on Saturday, October 7 and Sunday, October 8.
To find out more about the free-to-attend community open day at Pershore College visit https://wcg.ac.uk/page/3105/pershore-college-community-open-day