Photo Credit: CHRISTINA BURROWS
If you’re still in Canterbury and looking to enjoy the warm weather, then a visit to the Whitstable Oyster Festival is something you should be planning. The seven day festival starts this Saturday and ends next Friday. This years schedule is very exciting, though not as exciting if you’re a royal family fan, as last years saw a royal visit from Prince Charles and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall. From oyster eating competitions to outdoor film screenings – here are our five must-attend events for this years festival:
1. The Weekend Mini-Festivals:
Beer or food fanatic? Then a trip to Whitstable this weekend should be on your to-do-list. Visit the East Quay’s beer festival to sample over 30 cask ales and enjoy a BBQ on a beach with live music. Entry will be free during the day but will cost £5 from 7pm. More of a foodie? Then head to Harbour Street for the food festival instead. The historic harbour will feature over 100 local producers from fishermen to farmers to unique street food vendors and more. So if you’re in the mood for some scrumptious seafood or a local lager, catch the number 6 bus and come on down.
Beer Festival: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm, 26/07/2023 – 27/07/2023
Harbour Food Festival: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm, 26/07/2023 – 27/07/2023
2. Oyster Challenge:
Think man versus food, but with oysters and British accents. The challenge: eat six oysters and drink half a pint. The first to finish wins a prize and the glory worthy of an Adam Richmond M.vs.F. triumph. So, if you’re feeling brave, go to Harbour Street this Sunday and have a go. The contestant entry is £6 and audience entry is free.
Time & Date: 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm, 27/07/2023
3. Seaside Screenings:
Outdoor Cinema Alert! This Monday and Tuesday, Tankerton Slopes will witness Charlie Bucket find a golden ticket; the Jets and Sharks battle it out; Ellen Degeneres as the brilliant Dory and Mel Brooks in a Western. Free entry, stunning beach views and some good films – definitely worth checking out.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (1971) – Monday 28th 2014 5pm-6.30pm
West Side Story – Monday 28th 2014 8pm-10.30pm
Finding Nemo – Tuesday 29th 5pm-6.30pm
Blazing Saddles – Tuesday 29th 8pm-10pm
4. Whitstabubble Beach Party:
Sponsored by Heart FM, the beach party is going to be a scorcher. The event will have beachside games, crafts and music. So if you’re free next Thursday afternoon then Tankerton is the place to be. And, yes there will be bubbles. Giant bubbles.
Time & Date: 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm, 31/07/2023
5. Venetian Carnival and Fireworks:
Next Friday, expect Whitstable sea front to be masked in mystery as the Venetian Carnival brings an end to what will hopefully be a another great year at the festival. On top of a masquerade ball, the festival will also end with a bang, as the sea front will be lit up by a firework display.
Venetian Carnival: 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm, 01/08/2023
Fireworks Display: 9:45 pm – 10:00 pm, 01/08/2023
For more information on the festival, click here: http://whitstableoysterfestival.co.uk
