Thousands flock to "baarilliant" family farm day in Otley

Why it matters: The free event gives local families the opportunity to experience agricultural education firsthand and introduces children to potential future careers in farming and animal care.

The details: Visitors to the Otley campus were treated to a range of activities during the event, which has been running for over five years:

• Meeting newborn lambs

• Exploring new animal studies facilities

• Watching showjumping displays

• Playing sports on the college quadrangle

• Purchasing locally sourced food from vendors including Yum Tum Tree Fudge

What they're saying: Charlotte Rossiter, who oversaw the organisation of the day, called it "one of the best yet."

"We are always delighted to welcome guests to our Suffolk Rural campus. This year, we are celebrating 55 years of farming and that will be one of our big themes at the upcoming Suffolk Show," he said.

From the visitors: The event attracted families from across the region:

"My daughter goes along to a therapy farm once a week and she absolutely adores the animals - so we had to come up so she could see the sheep," said Samantha Mann from Colchester. "I think what the college is doing is brilliant and because it is free it has given everyone a chance to come."

Six-year-old Emily Wilkins from Needham Market summed up the day succinctly: "It's been baarilliant."

Behind the scenes: Students helped run the event, gaining valuable experience in public engagement.

Vakaris Pocius, 18, from Ipswich, who is studying a level two course in agriculture at Suffolk Rural, said: "It's been rewarding and it's important so that children can experience different careers that they might want to pursue when they are older."

For businesses: Local vendors also benefited from the high turnout.

Karen from Really Awesome Coffee said: "This was our first time at Suffolk Rural and the first impressions are very good. It's nice to do something local. I think it's a great idea to host a free event like this."

What's next: For those who missed out on tickets for this event, the college will be hosting their annual Big Day Out on Saturday 10 May 2025.

The bottom line: The "baarilliant" success of the spring family farm day sets a positive tone for Suffolk Rural College's upcoming 55-year farming celebration at the Suffolk Show.