Crowds gathered for the Grand Opening Bash of the Falmouth Oyster Festival today, with shucking demonstrations, free tastings and even an appearance by Arlo the Oyster Man.

The event was opened by oyster expert Katy Davidson showing the correct way to eat one of the tasty molluscs before festival organiser Mike Rangecroft took to the stage.

“This year’s festival is hotting up to be our best ever," he said, "and now with Dick and James on Friday night and the Fisherman’s Friends confirmed for the Saturday night, we feel the festival is a showcase of Cornish fresh seafood and oysters and some great talent.

"The Strawbridges, Port Isaac’s Fisherman’s Friends, top chefs plus Johnny Cowling will all come together to create a fantastic mix of entertainment for this year’s festival."

Town mayor Geoffrey Evans welcomed the crowds, as did Malcolm Bell from Visit Cornwall, before a choir of children from across Falmouth's primary schools got the party in full swing.