Whitstable Oyster
Festival gets underway

Bumper crowds flocked to Whitstable for one
of the biggest Oyster Festivals on record.

People from all over the country and abroad
descended on the seaside town to enjoy a variety of
entertainment, music, food, demonstrations and of course
oysters.

The annual oyster eating
competition was hailed a huge success as was the ceremonial
landing of the oysters and the tug of war.

Thousands lined the streets as a parade
wound its way through the town with the traditional giants towering
above spectators, and local businesses, organisations and even
aliens joining in the procession.

The home of Whitstable Football Club was
turned into a concert venue for the Bands at the Belmont event,
with music fans sitting on the grass to enjoy picnics.

Hundreds of visitors took full advantage of
the Kentish Gazette Park and Ride, which helped to keep town centre
traffic to a minimum and ensure no one missed out on the fun and
frolics.

For the full story and photos see
Thursday's Whitstable Gazette.