When	Where	Cost
2pm to 6pm	Reeve’s Beach, off Sea Wall	Free

Grotter - a strange and unique word in the English language describes a hollow mound of sand or mud, the outside of which is decorated with oyster shells. They were built by children, particularly in Whitstable, as a lighted shrine to celebrate St. James’ Day, and to try and get some monetary reward! Much as children built  Guys for November 5th, Whitstable chiuldren built grotters,  except here the cries were "Remember the Grotter" or "Penny for the Grotter please".

This tradition was also found along the reaches of the Thames where it continued  until 1967 when it was stamped out as a ‘nuisance’. To stop this tradition becoming just a memory, Whitstable has revived the art of Grotter buiding and dedicates one day of the festival to creating a landscape of grotters. Naturally, we turn to the younger generation for this task.  This simple activity which connects children directly with the origins of the town, has become a popular and very enjoyable mainstay of the festival.

In 2008, BBC Coast filmed grotter building during the Festival as an example of  the enduring links between the townspeople, the sea and the past. This will be shown in the opening episode of the 2009 Coast series on July 14th. 2009.

At dusk candles are lit inside the Grotters producing a magical sight against the backdrop of the sun setting over the sea.