Taters to Trentham for Spudfest

THERE’S plenty to celebrate and enjoy in the township of Trentham, from its rich red volcanic soil to its historic main street, but this May, it’s the humble spud will capture the spotlight.

The 16^th Great Trentham Spudfest will hit the historic town of Trentham, and surrounding districts, across 4 and 5 May, bringing together local potato growers, artisans, music, food vendors, and local history.

“Spudfest 2024 promises to be bigger and better than ever before, celebrating our region’s potato culture and history, but most of all, our community,” festival coordinator Kye Theobald said.

“This year we are running across two days, and are delighted to say that Spudfest is still a free event thanks to the support of our sponsors and partners. We are also introducing some specially curated events that will require a ticket.

“Celebrating our great potato region across two days is a great opportunity for visitors to stay and plan a full weekend of discovery with friends and family.”

There’s plenty on, from the traditional carnival day on Saturday, with the four main precincts packed with spud food, produce, artisan makers, live music and horse and cart rides, to progressive dinners style at venues throughout the region on Sunday.

In a first for the festival, Saturday evening will feature the Spudfest Cèilidh, a traditional celebration of Celtic music, food, and dancing, to mark the halfway point of the festival. The event will take place at The Factory on Market Street.

A selection of top local farms will be conducting tours all day Sunday, inviting visitors behind the farm gate. Meet and hear from growers at Fleurs de Lyonville (a famed organic flower farm), Walden Park (a heritage-breed beef and sheep farm), Mountain View Garlic (a small family-run garlic/fresh produce farm), and Little Hampton Farm, where you will discover cherries, berries, and heritage apples.

You can also make your own way along the self-guided Farm Gate Trail, take part in the Great Spud Scavenger Hunt, or join a Historical Society Tour of the Trentham Cemetery.

There’s also the Red Beard Historical Bakery, which is hosting a behind the scenes tour of the historic 133-year-old Scotch oven, and providing samples of their famous potato bread.

The Great Trentham Spudfest kicks off at 10am on Saturday 4 May running until 4.30pm, and will run all day on Sunday 5 May.

For more information, visit the Trentham Spudfest website.