Whitstable’s your oyster: Explore this year’s seaside festival
THE Whitstable Oyster Festival returns to the Kentish seaside town from this Saturday. Here are some of the highlights not to be missed
The Town Parade
Saturday, 3pm
This year's theme is “Seafood”. There is an arts and craft workshop at noon for those who want to get involved. Not to be missed.
The Music Trail
Nightly
Catch live music performances each evening at various venues in town - including a special gig from Finlay Quaye on Wednesday. Hopefully the sun IS shining.
Harbour Food Fair
Saturday & Sunday, all day
Live entertainment and hundreds of stalls selling delicious local produce - and a world of oysters.
On Sunday afternoon, catch the finale of the fair – with the Oyster Eating Competition on the Harbour Stage, followed by entertainment from The Cuban Brothers and Benzego.
Scallywags Dog Show
Sunday, 10am-4pm
A yearly favourite for dog lovers. Unlike Crufts, any dog can enter – so bring your pooch along to show off old and new tricks.
There are 28 classes to choose from.
The Mud Tug Competition
Sunday, from 7pm
An epic battle of muscles on Long Beach, with a tug o’ war in the mud.
Eight teams will take up the challenge, competing against each other and the rising tide.
Let’s Go Crabbing!
Monday, 3.30pm
Good old-fashioned fun for all the family on Reeves Beach, with prizes given for the biggest, smallest, prettiest, ugliest and angriest crabs caught.
Bring your own bait and crab lines or purchase them on the beach.
Open Air Cinema
Monday & Wednesday
Bring the popcorn and a blanket to watch movies in the open-air on Tankerton Slopes.
Films include Willy Wonka and Finding Nemo for the kids (5pm), with Blazing Saddles and West Side Story for the adults (8.15pm).
Building of the Grotters
Friday, from 3.30pm
Collect a bucket of oyster shells (one per family) to create “Grotters” – like an oyster-shell sand castle – on Reeves Beach.
These will be lit from 6pm, followed by a Venetian Carnival and party at The Old Neptune.
Fireworks Finale
Friday, 9.45pm
Arrive early to first watch the sun dip down on the seafront at Reeves Beach, before the kaleidoscopic display of fireworks over Whitstable Bay.
Fancy dress (masks and cloaks) is encouraged, and bars and BBQs are there for refreshments.
INFORMATION
The festival runs from Saturday, July 26 to Friday, August 1. See whitstableoysterfestival.co.uk for the full programme of events.
Southeastern offers a high speed service from London St Pancras to Whitstable with 29 departures every day.
The journey takes one hour 30 minutes and off-peak day return tickets start from £29.60. There are also direct trains from London Victoria.
For more information or to book see southeasternrailway.co.uk.