The award-winning Tomato Festival Sydney returns for a fourth year on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 February, from 10am at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. Bring along the whole family for an inspiring harbourside food festival celebrating all things tomato.
Set on the spectacular foreshore lawns of the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, the Festival Village will be buzzing with exciting, fun and delicious activities, with something for everyone.
- Village market dedicated to local producers and artisans
- Talks and cooking demonstrations
- Relish pop-up café & bar
- Free Garden tours
- Children’s activities including pizza making
- Harris Farm Markets Tomato Mandala
- Home-grown tomato competitions
- Free Diggers Heirloom Tomato Taste Test
- Longest Tomato Lunch
- New: Film screening of Seed: The Untold Story
Tomatoes are enjoyed all over the world, in all manner of ways. From salads to sauces, pizza to pastas, the fabulous tomato has become a key ingredient in all our lives. This is your chance to celebrate them!
In 2016 chillies spiced up the Festival, in 2017 it was the fragrant and diverse world of herbs, in 2018 it will be the edible garden!
The Festival promotes local and seasonal produce, heirloom varieties, bush tucker as well as growing and preserving the season’s bounty in an imaginative and accessible way. This, in turn, can change behaviour and drive a passion for food, where it comes from and an understanding of the important role plants play in our lives
Longest Tomato Lunch
Book your tickets and join us at Tomato Festival's 70 metre long table and be part of the ever popular Longest Tomato Lunch on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18, 12:30 – 2.30pm.
The foreshore lawns will be transformed into a fabulous long lunch setting. Enjoy a three-course tomato inspired Italian lunch designed by the 2 Michelin Stars and multi-award winning chef, Luca Ciano. The menu includes share plates and individual items, replicating a traditional Italian family feast.
Relax, sit back and enjoy a long lunch with great company, live music while looking out over the most spectacular botanic garden and harbour in the world.
Tickets on sale now. Click here to buy.
For your chance to win 2 tickets to the longgest tomato lunch (valued at $134), head on to the Harris Farm Markets Facebook page and enter by commenting on the competition post. The most creative answer wins and the winner will be announced on Thursday afternoon.
Cooking & Learning Hub
Join us for inspiring free gardening talks and cooking demonstrations in the Cooking & Learning Hub. Sessions include how to make mouth-watering desserts, tomato preserving with Alex Elliott-Howery from Cornersmith, along with gardening talks from industry experts. Learn how to grow heirloom tomatoes and get top tips for growing edible gardens.
Come and learn the secrets of simple seasonal Italian dishes, from celebrated chef Luca Ciano who honed his skills in the 2 Michelin-starred restaurant ‘Il Luogo di Aimo e Nadia’ in Milan.
Eat
Naturally, there are plenty of opportunities for you to taste tomatoes at the Tomato Festival! Put your palate to the test and take part in the free Diggers Heirloom Tomato Taste Test (11.30 am - 1.00 pm daily)
Explore
Join a one hour free guided walk with one of Royal Botanic Gardens' knowledgeable Volunteer Guides (10.30 am daily).
Film screening
Don’t miss this special screening of Seed: The Untold Story on Saturday 17 February, 4.30pm
Few things on Earth are as miraculous and vital as seeds, worshipped and treasured since the dawn of humankind. After the movie, enjoy a glass of wine and nibbles and listen to Clive Blazey talk about heirloom seeds and Dr Brett Summerell about the seed conservation work at the Gardens as well as share in the Q&A.
Children’s activities
Book your kids into a delicious Pizza Plants Adventure! Activities include a treasure hunt to find pizza ingredients, planting yummy Mediterranean herbs to take home and making a munchalicious mini-pizza to eat – YUM!
While the kids are enjoying making pizzas, parents can book a seat at the 70 metre long table and be part of the Longest Tomato Lunch and relax with a delicious tomato inspired menu while looking out across the Harbour.
Harris Farm Markets Tomato Mandala: Guessing Competition
Guess how many tomatoes are in the mandala and you might just win a $300 gift card. Find out how by checking the compeition signage just outside the mandala.
For more info about the Tomato Festival Sydney 2018, visit https://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/visit/tomato-festival-2018
