Landing of the Oysters
Landing of the Oysters
Long Beach (Follow the road to the right of the harbour basin around to the beach).
12 noon approx
Landing of the Oysters marks the official beginning of Whitstable’s Oyster Festival. Each year, hundreds of people watch as a catch of oysters are brought ashore in a traditional yoke to be formally blessed and presented to Whitstable in the presence of the Lord mayor of Canterbury. A short pause for media photographs afterwards, gives everyone time to leave the beach and grab a good viewing position for the Oyster Parade.
Arrive beforehand to be entertained by Whitstable’s own colourful Samba band, Samba Pelo Mar.
This year, looking back to the traditions of Whitstable’s oyster industry, a real Whitstable oyster yawl will be moored offshore, with the oyster ‘catch’ being rowed ashore.
The oysters then leave the beach to be loaded on a traditional handcart joining the Oyster Parade through the town centre.
Free event
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