IT'S not every day you are invited to a celebration of the humble potato, but this Saturday, February 6 and 7, the Trefhedyn Garden Centre in Newcastle Emlyn is hosting such an event for their customers.

The centre is also encouraging food retailers, pub and restaurant owners to call in for the Potato Festival to find out more about utilising as many different potatoes as possible in their day to day menus.

"We sell over 85 varieties of potato seed, and at one time we sold over 100 types. Every potato has a different flavour – some are great for chips others such as the Bluebell make fantastic baking potatoes," said Roger Spencer of Trefhedyn Garden Centre.

"The Rocket seed is easy to grow and gives a good crop and that’s what people want. This year, we decided to offer something extra and we are expanding the festival by asking cafe owners to try different varieties."

The Potato Festival is now in its seventh year and will kick off the growing season for the Garden Centre. If you don’t know your Maris Piper from your Jazzy, you will by the end of the weekend.

"People find it interesting and it’s like we’ve gone back to the 60s with people growing more of their own potatoes and vegetables. They come here and chat about their own produce – the festival will be very much like a gardening club and the kids can get involved too and really enjoy it.

"I’ve no idea how many cafes and restaurants will attend, but it’s something different and everyone can get involved," said Roger.