Get ready to peel back the layers of fun at the home of The Big Potato and blockbuster movie Babe!

The Robertson Potato Festival, happening this weekend, May 4th and 5th, where spuds take centre stage in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, is a weekend extravaganza that promises a mash-up of potato-themed activities and entertainment that will leave you craving more.

From making mash or moonshine, to cooking and competitions; there’ll be opportunities to explore and celebrate the diversity and importance of spuds.

From mastering the art of mashing to distilling your own potato moonshine, there’s no shortage of quirky experiences to sink your teeth into. Get your hands dirty with hands-on workshops on potato growing and cooking, or strut your stuff in the Hessians on the Field fashion event, where potato sacks transform into high-fashion statements.

Irish country meets Aussie charm as the Mountain Dew Band takes the stage alongside Dublin-born crooner Peter Byrne, channelling the spirit of Neil Diamond. And prepare to rock out with Dragon, the internationally acclaimed band set to light up the festival on Sunday.

Join Julie Goodwin, the culinary queen herself and inaugural MasterChef winner, as she works her magic on the Master Spud cooking stage. Plus, don’t miss out on the chance to showcase your furry friends in the pet competitions.

From the adrenaline rush of the Spud Olympics to the hilarity of the Tough Spudder obstacle course, there’s something for everyone at this potato-packed fiesta. And be sure to snag a selfie with Seb, the festival mascot.

For all the juicy details, head to www.potatofestival.com.au.

ROBERTSON’S PROUD IRISH HERITAGE

  • The area was settled by John Hanrahan, a well-educated man who was born in County Tipperary, Ireland in 1815, and immigrated to Australia in 1840. 
  • Drawn to the untamed beauty of the Southern Highlands, Hanrahan and fellow Irish settlers cleared the land and planted crops.
  • John Hanrahan grew the very first Robertson potatoes marketed in Sydney in 1865 – 112 potatoes, weighing 112 pounds. Eventually Robertson became renowned for its potatoes. Lush pastures also supported a thriving dairy industry.
  • A tradition of crafting Mountain Dew – illicitly distilled spirits known as poitín in Ireland – persisted among the Irish settlers for many years.
  • The 1994 movie Babe was filmed on farms and in large potato sheds in the area. 
  • Robertson is home to The Big Potato. Built in 1977, it is 10 meters long, four meters wide, and has a hollow interior so visitors can enter inside. 

Pictures: Hessians on the Field fashion competition of potato sack clothing. Credit: potatofestival.com.au