Falmouth Oyster Festival

Since the mid-19th century, oystermen from Falmouth have earned a living dredging oysters in the Carrick Roads and surrounding rivers. Old laws still govern the practices of the oystermen to protect the natural ecology of the riverbeds and oyster stocks. Boats with engines are prohibited in the oyster fishery; instead sail-powered or hand-pulled dredges must be used.

This annual four-day foodie extravaganza, held at the start of the Falmouth oyster-dredging season, is a celebration of both Cornish produce and the traditional art of dredging by sail and hand punt.

Expect masterclasses from celebrity chefs, cookery demonstrations, a Falmouth Working Boat race, a town parade, live music, sea shanties, oyster shucking, shell painting, and marquees overflowing with Cornish oysters, seafood, wine and ale.