Falmouth Oyster Festival has announced Seasalt Cornwall as its main sponsor.

One of Cornwall’s biggest and best-loved culinary events, the festival brings together local chefs, hardworking oyster fishermen, food and drink enthusiasts and an eclectic mix of musicians.

Neil Chadwick, founder of Seasalt Cornwall, said: “Having enjoyed spending time at Falmouth Oyster Festival in previous years, I am delighted that Seasalt is now sponsoring this unique event.

"The festival not only contributes in abundance to the vibrancy of the town, which is close to our hearts, but also brings visitors from around the world and keeps traditional Cornish skills alive and relevant for a whole new generation. I’d like to say a huge thank you to the festival committee for welcoming us on board.”

Falmouth Oyster Festival celebrates the start of the oyster-dredging season, focusing on the native Fal oyster and highlighting traditional methods of harvesting, using only sail and oar.

The vibrant programme includes cookery demonstrations, Cornish food produce, arts and crafts, real ale and wine bars, oyster and seafood bars, live music, working boat racing, a grand oyster parade and a most fiercely contested oyster shucking competition.

“We are extremely excited to have the opportunity to work in partnership with Seasalt Cornwall.

Their generous sponsorship support will help to sustain this unique community event and will enable us to enhance the festival programme,” said Mike Rangecroft, Falmouth Oyster Festival’s honorary chairman.

The 2019 festival will take place from October 10-13.

The Seasalt story began in 1981, when the Chadwick family bought a shop in Penzance called General Clothing that sold traditional workwear to the local farmers, fishermen and artists. After their father Don passed away in 2001, the family had a decision to make.

When Neil Chadwick met his wife Sophie, a textile designer, in 2005, they decided to grow the family business, creating a brand of clothing and accessories, inspired by Cornwall’s wild landscapes and artistic community, and they called it Seasalt.

All collections by the Cornish fashion brand are designed in studios overlooking Falmouth Bay and St Antony’s Lighthouse by an in-house team.

There are now more than 60 Seasalt shops around the UK, along with international sales to more than 150 countries.

For details of the festival programme and further information visit www.falmouthoysterfestival.co.uk, or follow their facebook and twitter pages.