WHAT’S ON
Chef Demonstrations, Live Music, Oyster Panel Talks with Kelp Canteen, River Boat Cruises with Fal River, Food Stalls, Cornish Produce, Arts & Crafts Market, Real Ale, Wine and Champagne Bars, Oyster and Seafood Bars, Working Boat Race, Grand Oyster Parade, Shucking Competition and a Grand Oyster Raffle Draw.
Daytime entry into the festival is FREE and the event is ticketed from 6pm.
OYSTER PANEL TALK
Culture, tradition and sustainability – a look into the past, present and future of the Fal oyster fishery
Join us for a wide-ranging discussion on the Fal oyster fishery, its history, traditions and importance both locally and internationally, in a free to attend event hosted by Elliot Kett from Kelp Canteen on Events Square, Thursday 8th, 12pm.
It is the only native oyster fishery in Europe to still harvest through non-motorised boats, either by sail or oar and is one of the only commercially viable native oyster fisheries left in the UK.
Elliot will be joined by; Nigel Carpenter – Owner & Chairman of St Michaels Resort. Nigel has created St Michaels Resort over the past 25 years from the old original St Michaels Hotel and the ruins of Falmouth Beach Hotel. He has been involved with the Oyster Festival every year since 2003 and is a passionate supporter of Cornish wildlife and all local traditions.
Fal Osytermen Jason Pascoe & Paddy Vinnicombe also join the panel, whose families have been fishing for the estuary for generations, who’ll be sharing stories about the history of the fishery and what the future holds.
The Fal oyster is more than a delicacy – it’s a cornerstone of our heritage, ecology, and coastal economy.
Together, the panel will explore the vital balance between sustainable harvesting, marine conservation, and supporting our local food culture.
Join the discussion on Events Square, Thursday 8th, 12pm.
EXPERIENCES & MASTERCLASSES
From cruises on the Fal Estuary slurping on Fresh Oysters & Fizz to getting hands on in the kitchen with a cookery masterclass from our incredible chef lineup in KONA right on Events Square – explore our biggest lineup of experiences yet. There really is something for everyone!
EXPLORE EXPERIENCES
ST MICHAELS RESORT
In celebration of this year’s festival, our friends at St Michaels Resort are hosting a series of events for seafood lovers and folk fans alike. Kick off the festival week with An Evening with The Oystermen, join the brasserie banquet table for St Michaels’Seafood Feast Night or finish your weekend with The Sea Shanty Sunday Lunch!
BOOK ST MICHAELS EVENTSOYSTER BAR
With methods that have changed little in the last 500 years, only vessels powered by sail or oar can operate. Their catch, the native Fal Oyster with its salty liquor and sweet flesh, is generally considered far superior to the Pacific variety. Les Angel and his team run the Oyster Bar, shucking fresh oysters to order each day – pair yours with Champagne for a perfect match.
CHEF DEMOS
Get inspired to try your hand after watching local chefs demonstrate unusual and exciting seafood combinations, showcasing the native Fal Oyster.
Experts are on-hand to divulge their tips on choosing, preparing and cooking the great variety of fresh sustainable seafood readily available in Cornwall.
See the full chef lineupLIVE MUSIC
The Falmouth Oyster Festival isn’t just about delicious oysters – it’s also a vibrant hub of live music all weekend long! Get ready to tap your toes and soak in the atmosphere as talented local musicians take to the stage. From toe-tapping folk to lively shanties and more, the live music throughout the festival will provide the perfect soundtrack to your oyster-filled experience.
See the full music lineup
MEET THE MAKERS
Indulge in the tastes of native seafood, locally produced wines, ales and home-grown produce.
There’s a wide range of mouth watering Cornish food and drink, hot and cold, to eat in or take away.
With local producers, the arts and craft marquee is filled with a carefully chosen selection of goods for sale.
OYSTER SHUCKING COMPETITION
Get ready for a dazzling display of speed and skill at the Falmouth Oyster Festival’s annual Oyster Shucking Competition! Join us on Saturday to witness some of the region’s finest shuckers battle it out against the clock to expertly open these prized molluscs. It’s a thrilling, fast-paced spectacle not to be missed! Who will be crowned this year’s champion?
THE WORKING BOAT RACE
During the summer months, the Working Boats may be seen racing in the Carrick Roads. The racing rig is far larger than the rig used for fishing, and these gracious vessels create a truly magnificent spectacle as they race at close quarters under full sail. The Oyster Working Boat Race is an integral part of Falmouth Oyster Festival and is one of the last races of the season.