The Whitstable Oyster Festival 2007 got under way in fine style this year with about seven morris sides buggering about in the harbour.
Thousands of people flocked to Whitstable and had a great time till the weather gods decided that rain was the order of the day and promptly gave everyone a good soaking as they waited for the oysters to be landed. Undeterred, the crowds had a great time and were entertained by the world debut performance from Whitstable’s own community samba Band; Samba Pelo Mar, who gave it their all during the cloud burst. The oysters were landed, blessed and the procession headed for town to distribute the oysters to all the restaurants. It was at this point that the clouds decided we did not get wet enough the first time round, and gave us another jolly good soaking for the last time thankfully. With live music, guided tours, street entertainers and a carnival atmosphere the first day of the festival was a great success.
Day two dawned gray and overcast, but by the time of the oyster eating competition the sky was blue and the sun was out in all it’s glory. With about 46 competitors taking part in the oyster eating competition in aid of Demelza House the competition was hotly contested till, after many heats we had a winner, Nev Hatton from Whitstable who went away with his prize of a meal at the Crab & Winkle Seafood Restaurant and a bottle of bubbly. Nev’s wife rushed him away before the effects of so many oysters wore off!
One contestant who made history and went over the minute in his heat was Art Hewitt; the Oyster Festival Co-ordinator, and from the faces he pulled you can see why. More fun & games are scheduled for the rest of the week. So get along and enjoy yourselves.
