Whitstable Rocks Oyster Festival 2026

Taking place from Friday 11 to Sunday 13 September, Whitstable Rocks Oyster Festival 2026 will celebrate its fifth year with a packed programme across Long Beach, East Quay and Festival Fringe venues throughout the town.

From the historic Landing of the Oysters Ceremony and the legendary Mud Tug O' War to live music, fireworks, free family activities and a sold-out Saturday night headline set from house music pioneer Marshall Jefferson, the festival promises something for everyone.

The festival is proudly presented in partnership by Whitstable Oyster Festival Association (WOFA), Whitstable Oyster Fishery Company (WOFC) and The Event Umbrella (TEU).

A Tradition Steeped in History

Whitstable Rocks Oyster Festival celebrates the town's long and proud connection with oysters, its maritime heritage and its unique community spirit.

The festival brings together much-loved traditions with a contemporary programme of music, food, entertainment and activities for all ages. At the heart of the weekend is the historic Landing of the Oysters Ceremony, a tradition dating back to 1657, which sees the symbolic catch of oysters brought ashore before a procession through the town.

Festival Highlights

Friday 11 September: Opening Night

The festival gets underway on Friday with free live music at The Grading Shed, beginning at 5.30pm.

The opening-night line-up includes Prudence, Bill Saxby & The Dan, Roger & The Vibes and Sugar Soul, who will provide the soundtrack to the evening.

At 9.15pm, Whitstable's famous opening Fireworks Display, sponsored by Whitstable Oyster Fishery Company, will light up the sky over Long Beach before the celebrations continue.

Festival Fringe venues will also join in with events and entertainment across town.

Saturday 12 September: Tradition, Music and Festival Fun

Saturday is packed with festival favourites, beginning with free family activities on Long Beach from 11am.

At 1pm, the historic Landing of the Oysters Ceremony takes place, accompanied by the Whitstable Sea Scouts Brass Band. This is followed by speeches and a vibrant procession led by Samba Pelo Mar, making its way from Long Beach to East Quay.

The afternoon continues with the legendary Oyster Eating Competition at 3pm, followed by an evening of live music and entertainment.

At 7.30pm, it's time for one of the festival's most iconic traditions — the Mud Tug O' War — as teams battle it out on Whitstable's famous mudflats for victory and bragging rights.

Meanwhile, the free programme at The Grading Shed features Owen the Only Sax, The Shutters, Useless Pluckers, Trouser Trumpets, Austerity Disco, Big Orange Head and Brass Funkeys.

Saturday night also sees house music legend Marshall Jefferson headline the East Quay Venue. The much-anticipated event is now completely sold out, with tickets for the 18+ event selling out ahead of the festival.

Sunday 13 September: Family Fun and a Seaside Finale

The festival continues on Sunday with another full day of free activities on Long Beach, including Pirate Pottery, Parrot Treasure Hunts, Welly Boot Throwing, Oyster Tower Competitions and Chalky Chalks sea wall art.

The day also features the Oyster Shucking Competition at 4pm.

Live music returns to The Grading Shed from 11am, with performances from Soul Choir, Funk N Frites, Gumboots, Jimmy & The Riddle, Project F and Comfy Rob & Friends.

At 6pm, the festival comes together for one of Whitstable's most magical traditions — Grotter Building and the Switch-On of the Candles — transforming the beach as the festival weekend draws to a close.

Live Music Across the Festival

Music is at the heart of Whitstable Rocks Oyster Festival, with a packed programme of free performances at The Grading Shed, alongside ticketed headline entertainment at East Quay Venue and live music across the Festival Fringe.

The Grading Shed and surrounding East Quay festival site, located on a working oyster farm, are transformed for the weekend into a vibrant festival setting, with live music, food, drink and entertainment alongside the working machinery and distinctive maritime surroundings of Whitstable's oyster industry.

Free Family Fun on Long Beach

Long Beach is the family heart of the festival, with a huge range of free activities taking place throughout the weekend.

Families can enjoy everything from kite flying and treasure hunts to pirate pottery, welly throwing, chalk art and Oyster Tower competitions, with activities designed to bring people together and celebrate Whitstable's unique seaside spirit.

The fireworks, Landing of the Oysters, Mud Tug O' War and grotters all form part of a programme that keeps the festival's traditional community events at its heart.

Festival Fringe

The festival spirit extends across Whitstable, with local venues joining the celebrations as part of the Festival Fringe.

This year's programme includes events at The Old Neptune, The Coach & Horses, The Oyster Shed, The East Kent, The Hotel Continental, The Forge, The Fountain and South Quay Shed, with a variety of food, drink and entertainment taking place throughout the weekend.

Quotes

James Green, Whitstable Oyster Fishery Company

"The Whitstable Oyster Company are delighted to be able to support the Oyster Festival once again this year. It is a great showcase for our world-famous product, and of course a celebration of the history and heritage of our amazing town. We look forward to another fantastic weekend."

Gus Corcoran, The Event Umbrella

"The Event Umbrella is excited to once again be part of such a historic event. We're looking forward to hosting the best of local food, music and drink on Long Beach and at the East Quay, with plenty of activities for everyone to get involved in. With the full programme now announced, we can't wait to welcome locals and visitors for what promises to be another fantastic festival weekend."

Mark Thomson, Whitstable Oyster Festival Association

"The Whitstable Oyster Festival Association is more than just an organiser; we're a community dedicated to keeping the spirit of the Oyster Festival alive, putting on beach fun and traditional events for locals and visitors alike, from the Landing of the Oysters to the Mud Tug. We invite everyone who shares our passion for Whitstable to join us in creating a festival to remember. Every volunteer plays a vital role in bringing the festival to life, and once again we are incredibly grateful for the backing of the Whitstable Oyster Company, The Event Umbrella and all of our festival partners."