The beloved Tasmanian Garlic & Tomato Festival is turning over a new leaf.
When the much-loved community event returns on March 15, it will be called the Tasmanian Heirloom Festival.
Held at Quamby Estate in the Meander Valley, the festival will celebrate Tasmania’s rich tapestry of heritage produce, shining a spotlight on the growers, seeds and stories that shape the state’s food identity.
Festival coordinator Monique Artis said the rebrand leans into a deepening commitment to Tasmania’s food culture.
“Tasmanians care about where their food comes from,” she said.
“By moving to the Tasmanian Heirloom Festival, we’re celebrating the heritage, flavour and history behind the produce grown in our own backyards.”
The festival has run continuously since 2015, with this year’s event featuring expanded produce competitions including largest pumpkin and best heritage apple categories.
A new Heirloom Heaven display will showcase hundreds of rare varieties of tomatoes, apples, potatoes, beans, pumpkins, garlic and chillies.
Julian Blackhirst from The Diggers Club will share expertise on heirloom varieties and seed saving and executive chef Nick Raitt from Josef Chromy will demonstrate seasonal dishes in the Cooking Demonstrations Pavilion.
The volunteer-run festival will maintain its focus on supporting local growers and regional tourism while expanding educational offerings on gardening and growing food.
“Whether you’re a long-time visitor or it’s your first time joining us, the Tasmanian Heirloom Festival is a chance to experience great food, meet passionate growers and enjoy a uniquely Tasmanian day out,” Artis said.
The festival runs from 9:30am-4pm on March 15 at Quamby Estate in Hagley.
