Hessians on the Field

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It's Time to get creative!

Get ready to showcase your creativity at the Hessians on the Field Event! Whether you’re a primary student, a secondary school talent, or an open category designer, this is your chance to shine. With three exciting categories to choose from, participants are invited to craft unique outfits using hessian as the primary material and strut your stuff on the runway.

Judges will be looking for originality, creativity, and the clever use of hessian. Whether you design and model your own creation or have someone else walk the runway for you, we can’t wait to see your work! Cash prizes are up for grabs, and there’s plenty of fun to be had as we celebrate fashion with a hessian twist.

On-the-day registrations will be accepted until 11am on Sunday 7 March 2027.

50th Anniversary Special

Hessians Showcase

Let’s celebrate hessian fashion styles with a special showcase unlike anything Thorpdale has seen before. In honour of the 50th anniversary of the festival, we’re bringing a new runway event to Hessians on the Field.

This year, designer Katy Bates takes centre stage, unveiling twelve stunning outfits crafted exclusively for the festival. This collection blends multicultural silhouettes, bold textures, and refined craftsmanship, proving that hessian can be so much more than a potato sack. These designs will be bold, refined and graceful with every step down the runway.

Whether you’re a long‑time festival-goer or a first‑time visitor, this is your chance to witness creativity woven into every fibre.

Follow our socials for a sneak peak!

Learn More

About The Competition

Competition Guidelines

There are three categories to enter for the event, PRIMARY, SECONDARY and OPEN. The entrant named on the registration form must be the primary designer and creator of the outfit.
Children must be significantly involved in the design process and development of their final design.
Judges are aware and will take into consideration that the entrants’ age will influence the level of involvement/support required for their design.
Entrants can model their own designs or have another person do so if they choose. Please advise the committee upon check-in if another person will be modelling your design.
Entrants may be asked to share some details about their design process and final outfit.

Registration Cost

HESSIANS ON THE FIELD

Primary – TBA
Secondary -TBA
Open – TBA

Payments for both online and on-the-day registrations must be made at the Registration Tent by 11am on Festival Day.

Prize Money

Primary School Category Cash Prize

1st Place = TBA
2nd Place = TBA
3rd Place = TBA

Secondary School Category Cash Prize

1st Place = TBA
2nd Place = TBA
3rd Place = TBA

Open Category Cash Prize

1st Place = TBA
2nd Place = TBA
3rd Place = TBA

On The Day

Registrations can be made on the day of the festival between 10-11am at the Hessians on the Field marquee. Registrations will close at 11:00am sharp and no late entries will be accepted.
Payments for both online and on-the-day registrations must be made at the Registration Tent by 11:00am on Festival Day.
Participants will be required to marshal at the Hessians on the Field Marquee at least 15 mins prior to the commencement time of their category.
A changeroom will be located at the rear of the stage for participants. Entrants are asked to remain at the Hessians on the Field marquee until the conclusion of all categories and judging.
Prizes will be awarded at the end of each category

Competition Start Times

Primary: 12:00pm
Secondary: 12:15pm
Open: 12:30pm

Judging Consideration

There will be a panel of three judges, with various backgrounds in fashion and design. Judges will use the following considerations to guide their decision-making process:
Hessian is to be used as the primary, if not only material in the design. The use of genuine hessian sacks will be viewed favorably.
The overall originality and creativity of the design, and the integration of hessian material in the delivery of the design will be a strong focus.
In the case of Open Category, the overall technical skill, execution and completeness of the outfit will be a factor in the decision-making process
In the case of the primary and secondary categories, the judges focus will primarily be on the overall creativity of the design however there will be a focus on the level of skill and execution used; keeping in mind the ages of each entrant.

Contact Us

For any questions or concerns please contact [email protected]

Now Open

2027 Hessians on the Field Registration

1 Item Per Registration

Online registrations are encouraged and close on Friday 5 March 2027. On-the-day registrations will be accepted at the registration tent between 10 and 11am. Please complete one registration per outfit/item entered. Registrations will close at 11:00am sharp.

Event Category

Please select one:

Primary Age (5-12)

Secondary Age (13-17)

Open (18+)

Personal Information

Name of Participant(Required)

First Last

Name of Guardian (if participant is under 18)

First Last

Email(Required)

Enter Email Confirm Email

Phone(Required)

Post Code(Required)

Declaration

In completing this entry, I understand that:(Required)

The Thorpdale Potato Festival Committee takes no responsibility for loss or damage to Hessians on the Field design entries.

All judge decisions are final

I give permission for images in which I, and/or my child, appear to be used by the Thorpdale Potato Festival Committee (TPFC) for publications and public relations activities; this may include use in print and electronic media, including the internet and official social media platforms.