Event Details
Welcome to the Haverskerque Tomato Festival 2026
On Sunday, 13 September 2026, the village of Haverskerque in northern France hosts the 19th edition of the Fête de la Tomate et des Légumes Anciens. Organised by the association PJH (Des Paysages, des Jardins et des Hommes), this beloved celebration of heirloom tomatoes and ancient vegetables attracts thousands of visitors from across the region each year. From 10 AM to 6 PM, the Salle Victor Dehaine and its surrounding grounds covering approximately two hectares become a paradise for gardening enthusiasts and food lovers alike.
Highlights
- Over 70 exhibitors spread across the festival hall and 2 hectares of outdoor space
- Exhibition of thousands of rare and heirloom tomato varieties
- Free packet of heirloom tomato seeds given to every visitor at the entrance
- Tastings of rare and ancient tomato varieties
- Sale and exchange of heirloom vegetable seeds
- Free expert talks at 2:30 PM and 4:00 PM
- Competition for the heaviest tomato (open to all)
- Competition for the best tomato (judged by specialists)
- Hourly tombola with prize hampers
- On-site catering available
- Free parking on site
Program
Doors open at 10:00 AM at the Salle Victor Dehaine and across the outdoor grounds. Throughout the day, visitors can explore an extraordinary diversity of rare and heirloom tomato varieties presented by specialist growers, organic farmers, and seed experts.
Free expert talks take place at 2:30 PM and 4:00 PM covering topics such as growing heirloom tomatoes, ancient vegetable cultivation and sustainable gardening. An hourly tombola runs all day with hampers to be won. Tomato competition entries are judged by a panel of specialists, with prizes awarded in the evening. The festival closes at 6:00 PM.
Heirloom Tomatoes and Ancient Vegetables
At the heart of the festival is an astonishing display of thousands of tomato varieties: deep purple cherry tomatoes, giant striped beef tomatoes, yellow pear-shaped varieties and many more. Alongside tomatoes, the festival celebrates ancient and forgotten vegetables, including rare squashes, gourds, Jerusalem artichokes and other heritage cultivars. Seed specialists and market gardeners sell and distribute seeds for visitors to grow at home in 2027.
Tickets & Practical Information
- Entry: €3 per person, free for children under 16
- Every visitor receives a free packet of heirloom tomato seeds at the entrance
- Venue: Salle Victor Dehaine, Rue du 11 Novembre, 59660 Haverskerque
- Free parking directly on site
- Light catering and drinks available on site
- Organiser: Association PJH, Jardin de l'Ermite, 200 rue de la Goguerie, Haverskerque
Getting There
- Haverskerque is located in the Nord department, approximately 10 km south of Hazebrouck.
- By car: Take the A25 motorway towards Hazebrouck, then follow signs to Haverskerque.
- Driving is strongly recommended as public transport connections to the village are limited.
- Free parking is available directly at the festival grounds.
