On Saturday 16 August, Judaberg will be filled with stalls, flavours and people when Tomatfestivalen again invites you to a folk party on Finnøy. This year, the raw materials and local engagement are more central than ever. Photo: Sigbjørn Høidalen/Øyposten
For over 20 years, the Tomato Festival has brought together children and adults, business and politicians for handsome days of activities and tastings. The festival was established to highlight the uniqueness of Finnøy and Ryfylke, both the people, the raw materials and the history. With a strong grounding in local cuisine and local identity, the festival has evolved into an annual highlight for several in the region.
This year's festival will be held August 14—17, with the main day on Saturday, August 16. Then the audience is invited to a diverse program of food market, concerts and activities for the whole family. Climate and Environment Minister Andreas Bjelland Eriksen attends the opening together with Mayor Tormod Wilson Losnedal.
Together to develop the festival further
Ahead of this year's festival, Tomato Festival has worked closely with TEAL to further develop the programme and strengthen the overall experience. The aim has been to bring together more relevant players, utilise the entire festival area and create a clearer and more holistic festival profile with the tomato and local food production in focus.
“The Tomato Festival is an established festival with a good reputation, but the desire for the tomato and food production to play a more central role is an important and right step,” says Heidi Netland Berge of TEAL who is engaged as festival coordinator.
Through the work of the festival board, several moves have been made to expand and activate the festival area. The aquaculture park will be part of the experience this year, with lobster serving and guided tours at Norwegian Lobster Farm. At Bethel, there will be tastings and mini-lectures, tomato gardeners will set up their own tent as before where it will be possible to make their own pizza this year, and Madla Handellag will showcase innovations from the Gladmat festival. Ryfylkekken contributes food to the children's activity trail “Start” on Friday and in the center there will be a monster barbecue, entertainment and bustling life all day long.
Program for young and old
The tomato festival has always been characterized by volunteerism and good cooperation between local forces. This year's programme is no exception and builds on the good work already done over many years. The festival offers activities for all age groups. On Thursday there will be a children's disco in Kulturstova, Friday will open with the activity trail “Start” and taco Friday, followed by quiz and concert at Dickins. Saturday is the big festival day and in the evening there is the set for Tomato Dance. Sunday is rounded off with the Finnøy March and Grieg Run, as well as “Three Men and a Campervan” at Dickens. For those who want professional replenishment, the Tomato Festival's Agricultural Meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 19 at Utsyn.
“I've met a lot of nice people to work with, and we've ordered 20 degrees and wind quiet, so this is going to be a great weekend,” says festival coordinator Heidi Netland Berge.
Visits www.tomatfestivalen.no for detailed program and more information.
