We prioritise investing in ways to help children and young people understand more about farming in the region and where their food comes from. That’s why we supported a major attraction at the Aylsham Show 2025.
More than 17,000 paying visitors were welcomed to Norfolk’s 77th Aylsham Show. Children and young people under 16 are admitted for free to this popular Norfolk event and many of them headed to the Learn from the Land area which is supported by TMAF.
Potato facts and fun
In Learn from the Land there was farm machinery, lots of potato-related activities and a whole pack of organisations with representatives eager to talk about potatoes from field to fork. Hundreds of children took the time to colour in paper sheets to create potato bunting, design their own 3D potato character from fibre, listen to talks and stories about growing and caring for the potato crop, and taste the latest flavours from Kettles Crisps.
Science and skill in growing
In a large marquee, Easton College showcased the wide range of countryside related courses they offer. A key attraction in the centre was a mighty drone capable of spot treating pests and diseases. To one side the tractor simulator had a steady stream of youngsters wanting to try driving a tractor from yard to field and amongst a potato crop.
The power of collaboration
Thanks to the Food and Farming Discovery Trust, who had chosen the theme of potatoes at the Royal Norfolk Show last year, a lot of their work sheets and interpretation boards could be up-cycled to share with Aylsham Show visitors. At every turn. Between the stands, demonstrations, and activity tables there were multiple displays with facts and aspects of the potato story to pick up.
A recipe for success
Another opportunity – and one perhaps for the parents and carers as well as youngsters – was entering a favourite potato dish into a competition. By mid-afternoon on show day, more than 50 recipes had been carefully written down and posted in box. The winner will be chosen by the Chef at Debut, the Norwich City College restaurant to be served at table.
A growing trend
Norfolk is lucky to have the Papillon project charity, and their teams of volunteers set on setting up food gardens in schools around the county. They, too, were in the TMAF-supported Learn from the Land area at the Aylsham Show. They explained how very productive their vegetable and fruit allotments are in thirty schools across the county, and how young people love tending – and eating – their crops!
The Aylsham Show is very grateful to TMAF for the support given. Well over a £1 million from proceeds from the event has been donated to local charities since 1946. With TMAF support, Learn from the Land has become a firm favourite at the Aylsham Show. Apparently, the coordinators’ thoughts will soon turn to which farming theme to choose to share with children and young people in the Aylsham Show 2026.
