Norfolk tulip grower raising vital funds for local hospice

A Norfolk tulips grower is hoping to raise more than £140,000 for a local hospice by opening its doors to the public for 10 days.

Norfolk Tulips, run by farmer Mark Eves, is opening up its fields for the fourth consecutive year for the annual Tulips for Tapping Event to raise vital funds for the Norfolk Hospice Tapping House.

The hospice has sold 25,000 tickets to this year’s event, the most ever.

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The farm started to welcome the public on Thursday 18 April and the event will run until Monday 29 April, with a closure on Tuesday 23 April and Wednesday 24 April for maintenance and management.

All tickets for this year’s 10-day event sold out within 90 minutes. 

Ticket holders are given a What3Words location for the event, which is held near Sandringham Estate in King’s Lynn.

The ticket-only event is an opportunity to celebrate the start of spring by visiting and walking through working tulip fields, to take photos and enjoy a day out in the Norfolk countryside.

Those without tickets will unfortunately not be allowed access.

Close-up of tulip flowers

© Mark Eves

A spokesman for Norfolk Hospice Tapping House, based in Hillington, said: “We are blown away by the incredible demand from the public to attend this event. It’s a sea of colour and a stunning spectacle.

“This event wouldn’t be possible without the amazing support of Norfolk Tulips and Roydon Hall Farms and all our volunteers that help make this possible.”

Tulips bulbs like those grown on the farm field can be bought online at norfolktulips.co.uk from this August. 

Norfolk Hospice Tapping House has annual running costs of £3.25m. To be able to provide its vital care services, the charity needs to raise roughly £2.5m each year, and events such as Tulips for Tapping help it to reach its target.

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