Kent's world-famous Whitstable Oyster Festival has split opinion this year after being drastically scaled back.

Disappointed visitors claim they were turned away from a fenced off area on Tankerton Slopes yesterday because of overcrowding.

The event, which runs until tomorrow, was cut back after after drunkenness, litter and traffic problems blighted last summer's event.

Revellers complained about being forced to queue to get onto the Slopes, which has been cordoned off so organisers can monitor crowd numbers.

But Tara Ballard wrote on the Overheard and Seen in Whitstable Facebook group yesterday: "To all the ungrateful moaning Minnies who are so quick to slag off the wonderful Oyster Festival, I attended today and had a wonderful afternoon.

"My friend has worked tirelessly to organise this event which the good people of Whitstable whinged about when they thought it was never going to happen so I'd like to congratulate her for all her hard work.

"She has had to battle with the council, health and safety and police to make this happen and this was only allowed to go ahead if it was properly monitored with restrictions to the amount of people attending, hence the fencing around."

The festival, which was previously based in the harbour, is organised by the Event Umbrella firm.

Visitor Jenni Page said: "Had a wonderful time watching the procession and going to the fair, and I actually like the new venue.

"We couldn't get in to the food festival which was a tad frustrating but we bought fish and chips from Tankerton High Street instead.

"We'll be going again today (Sunday) and to the kids activities on Monday, can't wait - overall a great job in difficult circumstances."

But Yasmin Downie disagreed, saying: "I absolutely appreciate the hard work put in to it I really do, however, I went to both the harbour and the slopes.

"The harbour was very depressing. The Slopes were very much regatta feel and not Oyster Festival.

"I love our town, I really do and a huge advocate for both events. But do not feel this year has the same atmosphere."

Other complaints included a lack of seating and few stalls selling oysters, which is what the event is famed for.

For details and the full programme go to whitstableoysterfestival.co.uk