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Check out the festival
and hear organiser Mair Stratton explain it.

Thousands came from far
and wide for the beginning of this year's Oyster Festival which
began on Saturday with the traditional blessing of the oysters
and the oyster parade which marched its way through the crowded
town.

Morris dancers, local entertainers,
creepy crawlies, antiques and vintage items, fresh produce, art
exhibitions, live music, guided walks and children’s story telling
were among the numerous activities on offer.

Festival director Mair Stratton
said: "It is the variety that attracts people and the fact that
most of is free or costs barely anything is a major draw."

He added: "It has played a major
role in making Whitstable into what it is today, and I would
certainly like to think that it will continue to grow and put
smiles on people’s faces."

So many people flocked
to the new park and ride service running from the Gazette car
park on the Estuary View Business Park that the overflow car park
had to be used.

Mr Stratton said: "It has been
a good addition to the festival this year and helped to bring more
people straight to the action."

More informaiton at www.whitstableoysterfestival.com

Full story and more
pictures in this week's Gazette.