Whitstable Oyster Festival © Creative Commons / :mrMark

Whitstable has been associated with oysters for hundreds of years. Indeed, the roots of this festival go back to Norman times, when the town was an established fishing port, and it was the custom for fishers and dredgers to celebrate with an annual ceremony of thanksgiving. Today's oyster festival evolved with the revival of the local industry, and is now an event to promote both the oyster industry and the town itself. Held over nine days, starting in the weekend nearest to St James' Day, the festival kicks off with the opening parade, which follows the progress of the oysters in a horse-drawn dray through the town, stopping to deliver the catch to various restaurants, cafes and public houses. There are marching bands, people in period costumes, and various entertaining troupes. The parade is followed by a week of entertainment for both adults and children, with local art on display around the town, and plenty of places to sample local fish dishes.

Times
All day.