SpringFest, a two-day celebration of gardening, landscape, and outdoor living, returns to Holker Hall & Gardens on 2 and 3 May 2026.
The festival coincides with National Gardening Week, the Royal Horticultural Society’s annual initiative highlighting the benefits of gardening for wellbeing and sustainable living. Visitors can explore 23 acres of formal and woodland gardens while enjoying artisan stalls, live entertainment, outdoor dining, and practical demonstrations.
Highlights include the Burlington Fountain, Cascade water features, and the Great Lime, a historic tree recognised among Britain’s 50 most significant by the Council of Great Britain.
Hosted by Holker Head Gardener, Matthew Murgatroyd, the Potting Shed Outdoor Theatre will feature garden designer James Alexander-Sinclair, tree expert Tony Kirkham MBE VMH, and Jack Lindfield, Head Gardener at the Sandringham Estate. Additional speakers include Liam Fitzpatrick, Michelin-starred chef of Our Farm, sharing sustainable seasonal cooking; Aidan Monks, co-founder of Lovingly Artisan Bakery, on craft baking and heritage grains; and Andrea Brunsendorf, Head Gardener at Lowther Castle & Gardens, offering an international perspective on conservation and garden design.
Alongside the team, Murgatroyd will also lead talks, tours, and demonstrations, offering behind-the-scenes insights into the private walled garden, guidance on cut flower propagation, and explorations of Holker’s veteran trees, including the Great Lime, giant redwoods, giant monkey puzzles, and the Oak Lawn.
Matthew Murgatroyd Holker Head Gardener
James Alexander-Sinclair
Across both days, SpringFest’s programme will include hands-on demonstrations, panel discussions, interviews, and opportunities to interact directly with growers, designers, and outdoor living practitioners.
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