Whitstable Oyster Festival

Where: Formerly Whitstable, Kent - town centre,harbour areas and Tankerton Slopes
When: Formerly a Weekend in late July
Time: Formerly From 9.30 am on Saturday - check links for schedule

 

Oyster Parade

The oyster was a staple of the Whitstable economy and the focus of the festivities was the harbour area of the little town. As well as exhibitions and displays, there were numerous musical and other events including appearances by local side Dead Horse Morris, fireworks and building of “grotters” from oyster shells. The festival began with the Landing of the Oysters, the first catch of the season, at Long Beach, which used to be followed by the Oyster Parade through town accompanied by local worthies, giants,music and fancy dress. On Sunday there was the Sea Sunday service celebrating all things maritime at St Alphege’s Church  in the High Street from 9.30 (parade from 10.15) and during the afternoon there was an Oyster Eating Competition at the Harbour – it’s for over 18s only and the person to eat 6 oysters in the fastest time won!

Helpful Hints

The Oyster Festival hasn’t happened now for several years- the Whitstable Rocks Oyster Festival in 2022 incorporated many of the elements of the former festivities but there are no signs of a repeat and future dates would appear to be uncertain. Any news of a revival will be gratefully received.

Click here for the Whitstable Rocks website: https://www.squaremeal.co.uk/restaurants/best-for/whitstable-oyster-festival-guide_9574

From 2017 the festival was significantly changed and was evolving from year to year – see Facebook page link for details of schedule. The main focus was at Harbour Stage, where the food fair and Oyster Eating Competition now take place.

Click  here for the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/whitstableoysterfestival

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