The Future Of UK Fruitfest
We have just completed the 12th annual UK Fruitfest event which took place this year from 25th July to the 1st of August at Dunfield House, Herefordshire. We had close to 120 attendees in total, many attending for the first time and many attending from around the world.
The volunteers, speakers and workshop leaders all did a tremendous job. The kitchen team did amazing work and our head chef Tom Meir should be singled out for leading the happiest and most productive kitchen team you will probably ever see.
The event was another reminder of how special these gatherings are. Since attending my first “fruitfest” in 2012, I developed a strong passion for these events and for the tribe that gathered at them.
I truly believe there is NOTHING like these events. They offer something unique that is just not replicated at other types of events, gatherings and experiences.
I have attended around 40 of these types of events all over the world and have ran and supported others. Outside of that I have hosted hundreds of smaller gatherings in person and online in all sorts of different places and ways.
After 12 consecutive years I have decided not to run UK Fruitfest in 2026. It’s been a huge achievement to run 12 years consecutively and in that time I have personally had to face many challenges to keep this going. It has been the biggest achievement in my life and something I am very proud of.
It’s not unusual for festivals to take a break. Some of the biggest festivals in the world take breaks. Glastonbury takes a “fallow year” every 5 to 6 years.
People take gap years and sabbaticals. Farmers will leave land fallow for a while before they replant on it. Fruit trees have years that they don’t produce any fruit.
This does not mean the end, and certainly for me the joy of gathering people together and running events (especially in person) will not stop.
However, it is time to pause, reflect and re strategise.
These events are powerful, beautiful and perhaps even essential. But many events like this have struggled to thrive and become sustainable. There is no firm blue print or guide to follow and they often run on the enthusiasm and generosity of the founder of the event.
Perhaps we need to re consider what is the best way to bring this movement together. Perhaps we need fresh leadership, fresh ideas and new ways to emerge.
As to what will happen in 2027 moving forward I have no firm commitment on this.
This does not mean that other types of gatherings and events both on and offline might not happen in 2026 but there is no commitment to the UK Fruitfest style event (1 week long, residential retreat/festival).
What if others wished to run or take over the UK Fruitfest? What if someone wants to buy or invest in the event?
I’m happy to speak with anyone about this but I would still be suggesting that perhaps we need to figure out a better way forward.
One thing I do wish to work on will be to build the audience and community surrounding the UK Fruitfest. I will continue to share content and education about this lifestyle and my intention is to build my own personal profile and focus on offering coaching and consulting to those interested.
Thank you for following this journey thus far. For those that have attended the events I am truly grateful for your support, your courage and your trust.
Feel free to message me for further details or any other enquiries.
Stay fruity,
Ronnie Smith
UK Fruitfest
We have just completed the 12th annual UK Fruitfest event which took place this year from 25th July to the 1st of August at Dunfield House, Herefordshire. We had close to 120 attendees in total, many attending for the first time and many attending from around the world. The volunteers, speakers and workshop leaders all…