Whitstable has long been famous for its oysters. This weekend, the WhitLit Food festival celebrates the town’s seafood for the first time.

Coming from the team behind the WhitLit books festival, it will bring big names to the seaside along with plenty of chat and some delicious nibbles.

Co-director Victoria Falconer said: “Whitstable is of course famous for its amazing oysters and spectacular seafood and in more recent years, its thriving restaurant scene.

“This new festival celebrates our town’s culinary heritage as well as bringing to Whitstable top names in British and European cooking to talk about their work, their books and their passion for food.”

Events include a talk by Drew Smith, former editor of the Good Food Guide, restaurant writer for the Guardian and winner of a Glenfiddich award.

Taking place upstairs at the Pearson’s Arms on Saturday, October 15 between 10am and 11am, with a small oyster tasting afterwards, he will discuss his book, Oyster: A Gastronomic History, which gives a global view of the oyster, tracing its role in cooking art and literature, inspiring chefs, painters and writers along the way. Tickets are £10.

Also appearing will be top chef Angela Hartnett, appearing in Conversation at the Horsebridge Centre on Saturday, October 15, between 2pm and 3pm.

Angela became head chef at Gordon Ramsay’s Petrus, helping the restaurant to achieve a Michelin star.

Award-winning chef of the Sportsman in Seasalter, Stephen Harris, will be giving a sell-out talk at Whitstable Castle.

DETAILS

WhitLit Food is on Saturday, October 15 at various venues around Whitstable.

For details visit whitlit.co.uk and for tickets visit ticketsource.co.uk/whitlit