Emma Ten reasons why Stranraer Oyster Festival – 13-15 September 2024 – should top your must-visit food festival list!
1. It’s unique. Scotland’s last remaining wild, native oyster bed is a stone’s throw from the festival site.
2. It’s one of Scotland’s best kept secrets. Stranraer is a genuine hidden gem in south west Scotland, a stunning area but relatively undiscovered by tourists.
3. It’s delicious. There will be more than just oysters – around 50 local food and drink producers take part in a huge artisan market, including several boutique distilleries.
4. It’s wholesome. Run by the local community, the festival has kickstarted the regeneration of this former ferry port town – it’s a great story of community action.
5. It’s seasonal seafood. The British native oyster season starts on 1st September. It’s eco-friendly. These oysters are marine ecosystem heroes and the festival has the environment at its heart, including oyster shell recycling and an Eco Zone.
6. Never tried one? There’s nothing elitist about the oysters at this festival, the team behind the huge oyster bar coach thousands of visitors each year on the best way to enjoy their first oyster. So come along and pop your oyster cherry.
7. It’s competitive. With a shout of “Shuck-Off!” to the competitors, the festival will crown the Scottish Oyster Shucking Champion who will go on to compete in the World Championships.
8. It’s got celeb chefs. TV regulars Tony Singh, Cyrus Todiwala, Julie Lin and Jimmy Lee are taking part this year, plus Green Michelin Star holder Pam Brunton.
9. It’s dog friendly. There’s a real family friendly atmosphere and since dogs are a part of many families, well behaved pooches are welcome too!
Stranraer Oyster Festival takes place from Friday 13th to Sunday 15th September 2024.
10. Early Bird Weekend tickets cost £15, and Day Tickets cost from £6, with concessions available. Additional charges apply for Chef Demo events.
For more information details and to book tickets, head to www.stranraeroysterfestival.com
