Whitstable Rocks Oyster Festival makes return to town in September

A seaside tradition dating back centuries makes its return next month at one of Kent's most popular events.

Final plans are being put in place for the annual Whitstable Rocks Oyster Festival, which will draw thousands of visitors to the town.

The long-running popular event celebrates Whitstable’s iconic shellfish produce and its rich maritime history and heritage.

Set along scenic Long Beach and the East Quay, the festival promises three days of seafood, live entertainment and family-friendly fun activities by the sea over the weekend of September 12-14.

This year, the festival begins, rather than ends, with a spectacular fireworks display on the Friday night, to the sound of Soul Sugar DJs.

A highlight is the symbolic Landing of the Oysters ceremony, which takes place at 5pm on the Saturday - a tradition dating back to 1657 which sees local fishermen land the first catch of oysters on the beach, which is followed by a blessing of the seas for the harvest.

Another crowd-pleaser will be Sunday’s famous oyster-eating competition, where entrants with strong stomachs are challenged to down the seafood in the fastest time.

Also bound to draw spectators is the traditional Mud Tug O’ War at 11am on Sunday when teams of eight will try to tug, slip and slide their way to victory on the muddy Long Beach at low tide.

Throughout the weekend, The Grading Shed in the harbour will be transformed into a buzzing festival space where local food vendors will be dishing up seaside flavours and street food favourites, alongside a festival bar serving craft beers, Kentish ciders, wines, and sparkling wines.

Live music and DJ sets will air all weekend and among them will be a high-energy set from Huey Morgan - a legendary DJ, broadcaster, author, producer, and frontman of Fun Lovin’ Criminals.

Best known as the voice of BBC6 Music’s Saturday night grooves, he will bring a genre-spanning mix of funk, soul, disco, hip hop, and rock’n’roll to the East Quay.

The event is now produced in partnership by the Whitstable Oyster Fishery Company, the Whitstable Oyster Festival Association, and The Event Umbrella.

For more details and the full programme go to www.whitstablerocksoysterfestival.com