The catch comes ashore during last year's Oyster Festival. Picture: Barry Duffield.

by Kathryn Tye

Plans are already taking shape for the 2010 Whitstable Oyster Festival.

Last year’s event was a huge success, with a wide variety of entertainment bringing thousands of new visitors to the town in a difficult trading year.

This year’s festival will run from Saturday, July 24 to Friday, July 30, and will be immediately followed by the annual Regatta.

Festival director Mair Stratton said: “In previous years there have been several flat days but a slightly shorter festival will allow us to keep it vibrant and busy throughout the week.

“With the popular Lions Whitstable Regatta immediately afterwards local people and holidaymakers will know they have two great weekends of entertainment to look forward to, plus lots to do in the week in-between”.

The full festival programme will not be announced until late spring but organisers promise that all the favourites will be included.

The oyster landing ceremony and parade will take place during the opening weekend along with the food festival, oyster eating competition, mud tug and increasingly popular Sea Sunday event.

During the week children can expect to enjoy traditional grotter building, crab catching, kite flying and some new innovations, while adults will have a feast of arts and music events to choose from.

The Blessing of the Waters ceremony will take place on the Thursday of Festival week.

The Whitstable Oyster Festival Association is keen to hear from any local people who would like to be more involved with the Festival.

Secretary David Roberts said: “There is still a lot to do to turn this year’s ambitious plans into reality so anyone who would like to assist should give me a call.

“Local people with enthusiasm will be welcomed with open arms, regardless of how much actual time they can give.”

Contact David on 01227 277580.