Landing of the Oysters

Long Beach
5.30pm approx

The tide is high so it’s time for the Landing of the Oysters and the official Festival opening. In this simple ceremony, a catch of oysters are brought ashore in a traditional yoke to be formally blessed and presented to Whitstable. A short pause for media photographs afterwards gives everyone time to leave the beach for the Oyster Parade.

Free

If you are a regular at this event please note the change of time from previous years. For centuries the Oyster dredgers worked with the tides so this year we are too. It also means that we won’t be closing the High Street to traffic in the middle of the day, but after the Landing, for the Oyster Parade and Parade Party, so that we can all mingle, enjoy the atmosphere and relax after a very busy day.