Fungi Festival returns to Sevenoaks this October
Experience the Shroom Soundscapes and Fungi-inspired Art at Emmetts Garden
Inspired by the incredible array of weird and wonderful fungi specimens found at Emmetts Garden near Sevenoaks, the second annual Fungi Festival returns on 6th – 29th October 2023.
In a celebration of all things toadstool, visitors this October will be able to explore a festival programme which features something for everyone, including arts & crafts, music, film, talks, workshops, family half term events, food & drink and even a dedicated Fungi Fair. The gardens will additionally play host to a variety of fascinating and immersive exhibitions.
Exhibitions & Activities: daily 10am–5pm
Fungi have long been associated with magic, myth, and legend. But fantasy aside, our native fungi are something quite unique and the special role they play in our ecosystem is quite significant. The damp woodland at Emmetts provides ideal conditions for fungi including the distinctive red and white spotted fly agaric, stinkhorn, shaggy parasols and fairy’s bonnet.
You can learn about the different fungi found at Emmetts in our More Than A Mushroom exhibition, listen to Shroom Soundscapes recorded in the South Garden, appreciate a collection of art Inspired by Fungi and witness an absorbing array of fungi films at the festival’s Micro Cinema at Stable Cottage. And don’t forget to seek out our giant willow mushrooms for the perfect selfie opportunity. Kids can discover their inner fun(gi) at Emmetts’ brand new Wild Play area which includes a fairy ring of wooden toadstools. Refreshments are available at the Old Stables Tea Room and there will be a wood-fired pizza van on the meadow at weekends.
Fungi Fair: 6–8 October 10am–4pm
The festival kicks off with a three-day market on the opening weekend where makers and craftspeople will be showcasing unique products, all themed around fungi. It offers everything from jewellery and prints to wooden sculpture and ceramics. On Friday 6 October you can also join a mushroom basket weaving workshop with willow artist Nicola Claxton and live music on the meadow Saturday and Sunday.
Fans of Fungi Talks: 13–15 October 12pm, 2pm and 3pm
Take a deeper dive into the fascinating world of fungi with our exciting programme of talks in the marquee on the meadow delivered by experts from across the UK and covering everything from mushroom medicine to fungi in TV & Film. Explore the history and purpose of the mushrooms that live in our gardens and woodland as well as the power of fungi and its role in our future. Talks from £7, advanced booking recommended.
Fri 13: What is Fungi Really? (London Fungus Network), The Power of Fungi (Felicity Roos), Fighting Honey Fungus (Ignacio Silva de la Iglesia & Dr Jassy Drakulic)
Sat 14: Rewilding Mycology (David Satori), Finding Fungi in Film & TV (Ashanti Omkar), Mycelium in Product Design (Ninela Ivanova)
Sun 15: How do Fungi Shape Forests? (Laura Martinez-Suz), Mushrooms in Medicine and Maladies (Dr. Neil Stone), Mushroom Medley: Health, Nutrition and Cooking (Oh my Shrooms)
Family fun(gi): 21–29 October Half Term
The Fungi Festival is full of family-friendly fun, with events every weekend and a whole week of activities for October half term. Emmetts’ recently unveiled Wild Play is the perfect place to let off some steam whilst adults recharge in the nearby tearoom.
Sat 21: Craft Workshops with the Nature Makers (1–4:30pm, Ages 5+, Drop-in, Free)
Sun 22: Woodland & Forest Adventures with Kent Wildlife Trust (10–11:30am & 12-2pm, Ages 5-8 & 8–12, Drop-in, Adv Booking, £12-15)
Tue 24: Woodland Bunting: Children’s Collective Art Workshop (11am-12pm & 2-5pm, Ages 5+, Adv Booking, £10)
Thu 26 & Fri 27: Craft Workshops with the Nature Makers (9:30-10:30am & 11am-12pm, Ages 5+, Adv Booking, £5)
Fri 27: Graffiti Workshop with Graffiti Stars (11am-1pm, Ages 8-14, Adv Booking, £25)
Sat 28: Woodland & Forest Adventures with Kent Wildlife Trust (10–11:30am & 12-2pm, Ages 5-8 & 8–12, Drop-in, Adv Booking, £12-15)
Spectacularly Spooky Fungi Finale: Sunday 29 October
11am Pumpkin Carving: pick up a mini pumpkin from the visitor centre and carve your best terrifying toadstool.
12pm Apple bobbing at Old Stables Tea Room
1pm Trick or Treating: complete the puzzles along the trail of spooky spores to reveal the treat
1:30pm Dog Show & Costume Competition. Register your pooch and win prizes for the scariest, most original, most elaborate and Fungi-est categories and find out at 3pm who will be The Champignon!
Normal admission policies and opening times apply. Additional charges and booking is required for workshops and talks unless otherwise noted. Further information and booking details are available at nationaltrust.org.uk/fungifest
