SpudFest 2025

In the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences at Newcastle University we undertake ground-breaking research across the natural sciences. Together with NU Farms, we discover, develop and drive the latest innovations in plant and crop science.

Across our two University farms, we grow tonnes of potatoes every year as part of our world-leading research and we're inviting you to join us in celebrating the humble potato once again!

SpudFest will showcase our research, while working alongside EAT@Newcastle and Newcastle Foodbank to prevent any food waste resulting from the potato harvest. Any remaining potatoes from the Farms will be distributed to families in need with the help of Newcastle Foodbank.

We will be collecting donations for the Foodbank on the day, so please bring something along to support their fantastic work. 

SpudFest will also showcase the “Innovation Hub” for vertical farming, Vertitech, with a chance to learn about leafy greens as well as potatoes! Come along to find out about this exciting project and how local communities will benefit from the work being done.

Throughout the day there will be stalls from partners and sponsors:

• Newcastle Foodbank
• Newcastle University Sustainability Team
• Biffa 
• Vertitech Innovation Hub
• Fyto
• Thrifty Chef who are all about reducing food waste and teaching essential cooking skills through simple and tasty meal kits. Join them at SpudFest this year for a kit where potatoes are the star of the show, and some top waste free tips!
• NU Farms
• ...and more!

There will also be videos and models to explore along with games to take part in, free tasting samples of our cooked potatoes and a potato harvest market. 

This year the event will start at 11am and will run until all the potatoes and food are gone - likely to be around 1/2pm - so get down early to grab your spuds! We kindly ask that attendees take a maximum of one bag of potatoes per person, so that there are plenty to go around.