What’s happening in Edinburgh on 1st August? No, not all that arty stuff (that doesn’t start till two days later…); the first event of the month is a gala open day for the whole community – it’s Gorgie City Farm’s Farm Fest – and it’s free! This wonderful community-owned initiative offers a great day out for all ages – locals and tourists alike are invited to join in the fun.
You may well know that the farm – the only one of its kind in East/Central Scotland – has lots of animals; sheep, pigs, goats, chickens, ducks and cattle all live on this compact inner-city site, and all can be visited every day – but did you know that it also offers many educational, learning and volunteering opportunities, workshops, children’s weekend and holiday clubs, and a youth project for socially marginalised young people?
There’s also a gardening project – the farm has wildlife, sensory, herb, vegetable and educational gardens, plus greenhouses and a polytunnel, and anyone can volunteer to take part in garden workshops; in total the farm welcomes over 150 volunteers every week. And you may have visited the farm’s lovely cafe (if not – do!) – but have you tried its produce stall? Everything is grown as organically as possible, with biodiversity a major consideration; the promotion of a healthy diet and lifestyle is another aspect of the farm’s community involvement.
On 1st August you can not only visit the animals, see the gardens and find out more about all of the projects – there’ll also be face painting, a bouncy castle, a market, a fire engine, the Bumblebee Trust, birds of prey, a bucking bronco, arts and crafts workshops, a raffle, a mini-festival with local bands playing all day, dancing by Elite Dance Studios (12 noon-1pm), refreshments from local breweries Barneys Beer, Top Out Brewery and Knops Beer – and the famous Gorgie Farm Barbecue!
Castle FM will be broadcasting live, and what’s more the farm wants to encourage everyone in the local community to get involved – so if you’re a local band or performer, please get in touch now, they’d love you to be a part of the entertainment. Similarly, if you’d like to take a stall in the market, contact lisa@gorgiecityfarm.org.uk – they’re open to all suggestions (apart from food), and are particularly looking to showcase the diversity of the local area.
Previous Farm Fests have attracted over 3,000 visitors – so get there early! The only parking at the farm is for Blue Badge holders, and there is very little parking in the local area, so why not walk, cycle or take the bus? Lothian Bus routes 1, 2, 3, 25 and 33 all stop at the gate, and many others pass nearby – full details on the farm’s website here.
Gorgie City Farm is at 51 Gorgie Road; it’s open every day of the year except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, 9.30am-4.30pm in summer and 9.30am-4pm in winter. Entry is always free. The Farm Cafe, which serves a range of drinks, cakes, breakfasts, hot meals and ice-creams, is also open every day (9.30am-4pm), with free wi-fi, newspapers and highchairs provided.
