Family Fun, Local Traditions & Muddy Mayhem on Long Beach
At the heart of the Whitstable Rocks Oyster Festival is the Whitstable Oyster Festival Association (WOFA) — dedicated to preserving the town’s rich maritime heritage and strong sense of community. On Long Beach, the WOFA curates a vibrant programme of free, inclusive activities that capture the soul of Whitstable.
Bring the kids, bring your mates, and join in a day (or three) of pirate pottery, treasure hunts, welly throwing, chalky chalks, kite flying, and more. All activities are completely FREE.
FIREWORKS OPENING DISPLAY
Friday, September 12 |19:30 – 20:00 | Long Beach | All Ages
Brought to you by the Whitstable Oyster Fishery Company, this year the legendary fireworks light up the opening night! Gather on Long Beach as we kick off the festival in dazzling style with a spectacular display over the bay to the tunes of Sugar Soul DJs in The Grading Shed.
LANDING OF THE OYSTERS CEREMONY
Saturday, September 13 | 16:00 – 17:30 | Long Beach to East Quay
This iconic, historic ceremony is the soul of the Whitstable Rocks Oyster Festival — a tradition dating back to 1657. Local fishermen and sailors bring in the first symbolic catch of oysters and ceremonially land them on the beach.
A blessing of the sea follows — a timeless ritual of giving thanks and asking for the ocean’s continued bounty.
Accompanied by:
- Whitstable Sea Scouts & Brass Band
- Samba Pelo Mar leading a vibrant community procession to East Quay
All are welcome to join the walk from beach to harbour — a magical celebration of music, history, and community.
MUD TUG O’ WAR
Sunday, September 14 | 11:00 – 12:30| Long Beach | Ages 18+
Rally your friends, co-workers, or rivals and get down and dirty for glory in Whitstable’s muddiest challenge! Teams of eight compete in this hilariously competitive showdown — a classic tug of war, but in the glorious mess of the intertidal zone.
Winning team gets:
- Bragging rights
- A trophy
- A round of drinks & a platter of Whitstable oysters
Fancy dress highly encouraged!
Visit the Get Involved page to sign up
GROTTERS
Sunday, September 14 |17:30 – 20:30 | Long Beach | All Ages
One of Whitstable’s most beloved traditions, the grotter is a miniature oyster-shell grotto, lit from within by a candle. Dating back to Victorian times, these whimsical creations are a beautiful nod to Whitstable’s oyster-trading history.
At sunset, join in a magical moment as 100s of grotters light up Long Beach in a shimmering display of community and creativity.
How to Build a Grotter:
- Collect shells – WOFA volunteers will bring buckets of oyster shells for you to use.
- Find your spot on the beach and prepare a sturdy base.
- Build the foundation – make a circle with the biggest shells, overlapping edges for strength.
- Layer up – continue with smaller shells, building a domed shape like a miniature igloo.
- Add a tea light – the WOFA will provide battery operated tea lights.
- Join the ceremonial switch-on – when everyone lights their grotters at once for a glowing shoreline spectacle.
This is a uniquely Whitstable moment — a mix of childhood wonder, seaside tradition, and community spirit.
OYSTER FARM TOURS
Discover the Magic of Whitstable Oysters
Whether you’re a seafood lover, curious foodie, or just looking for a unique day out by the sea, the Whitstable Oyster Company’s Oyster Farm Tour is a must-do. Explore the fascinating world of oyster farming, meet the people behind it, and taste the freshest oysters you’ll ever try.
Tour Highlights
- See how Whitstable’s world-famous oysters are farmed.
- Discover the journey from seabed to plate.
- Guided by an experienced, friendly oyster farmer.
- Learn the science of sustainable aquaculture.
- Enjoy a glass of local bubbly or Whitstable Brewery beer.
- Savour freshly shucked oysters.
During the tour, you’ll get an up-close look at the farm. Afterwards, enjoy a tasting with your choice of fizz, Whitstable Brewery beer, or a soft drink.
Bookings
During the festival, tours will run on Fri 12th and Sat 13th Sept | £45 pp
All bookings are made via the Whitstable Oyster Company website.
A minimum of four people is required for a tour to run. Smaller groups can email tours@whitstable.rocks to see if they can be accommodated.
BEACH CLEAN
Monday, September 15 | 08:30 – 10:30 | Long Beach | Ages 18+
Let’s leave the beach better than we found it. Join fellow festival-goers, locals, and organisers for a community clean-up of Long Beach the morning after the festivities wrap.
All equipment provided
Breakfast on us — courtesy of the Whitstable Oyster Fishery Company Open to all volunteers aged 18+
Visit the Get Involved page to sign up
Start your Monday with fresh sea air, good company, a great cause and finish it up with a Full Whitstable Breakfast and bubbles.
schedule
Friday 12 Sept
Opening Fireworks Display brought to you by the Whitstable Oyster Fishery Company
Saturday 13 Sept
Landing of the Oysters
Kite Flying
Oyster Tower Competition
Parrot Treasure Hunt
Pirate Pottery
Welly Boot Throwing
Sunday 14 Sept
Grotter Building & Switch on the Candles
The Big Splash
Chalky Chalks
Oyster Tower Competition
Parrot Treasure Hunt
Pirate Pottery
World Famous Oyster Eating Competition
The Epic Mud Tug Challenge
Monday 15 Sept
Community Beach Clean & Grotter Clearance
