Video: Hundreds flock to Whitstable for annual Oyster Festival
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The oysters are landed at
Whitstable
by Gerry Warren
Hundreds of people gathered on the
Long Beach at midday on Saturday for the ceremonial landing of the
oysters to mark the official launch of the Whitstable Oyster
Festival.
But hopes that a traditional yawl
would bring the shellfish ashore foundered after the boat got stuck
on a mud bank while on its way to the town.
Instead a more modern craft, albeit
it with traditional sail, was commandeered for the job and
fishermen brought the catch up the beach to be met by Lord Mayor,
Cllr Patt Todd and the vicar of All Saints, the Rev Simon Tillotson
who performed the blessing.
The oyster parade, led by the Lord Mayor
to the rousing beat of the town's Samba Pelo Mar samba band, then
processed along the harbour, accompanied by local schools and
groups, including Whitstable Sea Scouts and the popular giants
(pictured right).
Thousands of people lined the route
in what is believed to be one of the biggest ever turnouts for the
event. The parade made its way up Oxford Street where the oysters
were given to publicans and restaurateurs.
The harbour was packed throughout
the weekend and the park and ride service, running from the car
park of the Whitstable Gazette's office on the Estuary View
Business Park, was at full stretch.
Since it was revived 25 years ago,
the festival has grown in scale and popularity to become one of the
county's best loved attractions.
Organiser Mair Stratton said: "I
don't think I have ever seen the town so busy. It was full to
bursting and the businesses have been rushed off their feet.
"Despite budget restraints, we have
a much stronger and more diverse programme this year which lasts
all through the week, rather than just being concentrated at the
opening weekend."
For more information on the
programme visit www.whitstableoysterfestival.com
See more pictures from the
weekend in this Thursday's Whitstable Gazette.
Monday, July 26 2010
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