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The oysters are landed at Whitstable

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.

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."