FAMILY ACTIVITIES AT WHITSTABLE ROCKS OYSTER FESTIVAL

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 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.

SCHEDULE

FRIDAY 11

21:15 Opening Fireworks Display sponsored by the Whitstable Oyster Fishery Company

SATURDAY 12

13:00 Landing of the Oysters

11:00 - 16:30 FREE FAMILY ACTIVITIES

Kite Flying
Oyster Tower Competition
Parrot Treasure Hunt
Pirate Pottery
Welly Boot Throwing

15:00 - 16:00 Oyster Eating Competition

19:30 - 20:30 Mud Tug O'War

SUNDAY 13

18:00 Grotter Building & Switch on the Candles

11:00 - 16:30 FREE FAMILY ACTIVITIES

The Big Splash
Chalky Chalks
Oyster Tower Competition
Parrot Treasure Hunt
Pirate Pottery

16:00 Oyster Shucking Competition

FIREWORKS OPENING DISPLAY

Friday September 11 | 21:15 - 21:45 | Long Beach | All Ages

Sponsored 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 on The Grading Shed stage.

LANDING OF THE OYSTERS

Saturday September 12 | 13:00 - 14:30 | Long Beach

Thisiconic, 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 Long Beach to the Grading Shed stage - a magical celebration of music, history, and community.

MUD TUG O'WAR

Saturday September 12 | 19:30 - 20:30 | Long Beach | Ages 18+

Rally your friends, co-workers, or rivals and aim 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!

GROTTERS

Sunday September 13 | 18:00 | 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.

BEACH CLEAN

Monday September 14 | 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. Open to all volunteers aged 18+

Start your Monday with fresh sea air, good company, a great cause, and finish it up at Hotel Continental for a Full Whitstable Breakfast and bubbles.

Whatever your question or feedback we are here to help.
So please feel free to contact us.

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