The 18th annual Falmouth Oyster Festival has started today (Thursday) with a packed programme of cookery demonstrations, live music and competitions which come together to celebrate the start of the oyster dredging season.
Highlights this year include appearances by TV presenter James Strawbridge, 7th Rise founder and star of Hugh’s Three Hungry Boys, Thom Hunt along with a cookery demo from Michelin starred Chris Eden as well as a performance by Fisherman’s Friends on the opening night, supported by local choir Meeagers Ensemble.
Tickets for the 7pm concert are £5 and can be purchased on the door or from the Maritime Museum and Fal River Visitor Centre on Prince of Wales Pier.
The evening will be in aid of the Fisherman’s Mission.
Friday night sees the Hot Chefs’ Challenge when Arty Williams from The Cove at Maenporth will be battling it out with Nick Hodges from Fire Kitchen.
This year the “hot chefs” will have some talented support from Thom Hunt working with Arty, and James Strawbridge of The Hungry Sailors fame, supporting Nick.
The evening is in aid of ShelterBox and the chefs will be competing to cook the best dishes from surprise ingredients given to them in a shelterbox.
The night will end with the eclectic mix of classic and modern soul music from the Falmouth Soul Sensations.
The festival is based on Events Square and also includes a craft market, the oyster shucking competition and an appearance by Falmouth Marine Band, who will attend the prize giving on Sunday afternoon.
Today: 8pm – 11pm: Fisherman’s Friends supported by the Meeagars Ensemble in aid of the Fisherman's Mission. Tickets at £5 available from the Maritime Museum and Fal River Cornwall.
Friday 10am: Craft and food stalls open.
10.30am - 11.30am: Cookery demonstration with Ben Quinn.
11.45 - 12.45 pm: Cookery demonstration with Jack Stein.
1pm – 2pm: Live music with The Hoodle.
2pm – 3pm: Cookery demonstration with Nick Hodges of Fire Kitchen.
3pm – 4pm: Live music with The Hoodle.
3.15pm – 4pm: Schools’ Town Oyster Parade, from The Moor to Maritime Museum.
4.30pm - 5.30pm: My Fish Kitchen with Annie Sibert.
6pm – 7pm: Cookery demonstration with Thom Hunt.
7.30pm – 9pm: Hot Chefs Challenge with Arty Williams of The Cove v Nick Hodges of Fire Kitchen, in aid of ShelterBox.
9pm – 11pm: Live music with Falmouth Soul Sensations.
Saturday 10am: Craft and food stalls open.
10.30am - 11.30am: Cookery demonstration with James Strawbridge of the Posh Pasty Co.
11.45 - 12.45: Cookery demonstration with David Trewin of Samphire.
1pm – 2pm: Live music with Kaj Skjervick.
2pm – 3pm: Cookery demonstration with Anthony Theobald of St Michael’s Hotel.
3pm – 4pm: Oyster Shucking competition sponsored by Laurent-Perrier.
4pm – 5pm: Live music with Vince Lee and Becca Langsford.
5pm – 6pm: My Fish Kitchen with Annie Sibert.
6pm – 7pm: Cookery demonstration with Chris Eden of The Driftwood Hotel.
7pm - 7.45pm: Shanty Singing with Falmouth Shout.
8pm -11.00pm: The Blues Boogie Extravaganza with Vince Lee and The Big Combo in aid of Children's Hospice South West.
Sunday 10am: Craft and food stalls open.
10.30am - 11.30am: Cookery demonstration with Fat Hen Cookery School.
11.30am: Falmouth Working Boat Race, Inner Harbour.
11.45am - 12.45pm: Cookery demonstration with Arty Williams of The Cove.
12.30 - 2.30pm: Sea Shanty Lunch at St Michael’s Hotel & Spa.
1pm – 2pm: Live music with The Falmouth Sessions.
2pm – 3pm: Cookery demonstration with Ken Symons of Olivers.
3pm – 4pm: Working Boat prizes, grand prize draw, plus guest appearance by Falmouth Marine Band.
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