13-15 September 2024
Scotland’s wild, native oysters take centre stage in a packed programme that celebrates regeneration and connection.
Our 2024 festival programme reunites two TV chef double acts – BBC’s Spice Kings Tony Singh and Cyrus Todiwala, and STV’s Hot Wok stars Julie Lin and Jimmy Lee. They’ll be joined in the festival demo kitchen by Pam Brunton whose multiple award-winning restaurant Inver is the only restaurant in Scotland to receive a Michelin Green Star, which recognises restaurants that combine culinary excellence with outstanding eco-friendly commitments.
Ecosystem and community regeneration are strong themes in this year’s festival. Loch Ryan’s native oyster beds are an ecological treasure and one of the most important oyster beds in Europe.
The Return of The Spice Men
Ten years ago, acclaimed chefs Tony Singh and Cyrus Todiwala set out on a mission to wake Britain up to the versatility of spices with their hit BBC TV show The Incredible Spice Men. They’re reuniting at Stranraer Oyster Festival for two special events on the Friday and Saturday evenings of the festival. These special events are strictly limited to only 100 people, with lots of opportunities for audience interaction and conversation, and tickets include a glass of Prosecco on arrival and delicious canapes. Tony and Cyrus are also doing individual cookery demos on Saturday afternoon.
Julie & Jimmy’s Sizzling Woks
Another TV double-act, Julie Lin and Jimmy Lee are two of TV’s most exciting new stars - Julie is a regular on BBC's Saturday Kitchen Live while Jimmy contributes to ITV's This Morning. They collaborated as hosts of STV’s hit show Julie and Jimmy’s Hot Woks and they’re reuniting at Stranraer Oyster Festival for a Saturday afternoon treat that’s sure to be filled with fun, flavour and lots of laughs! This exclusive event is limited to 100 people with Prosecco and canapes to enjoy as Julie and Jimmy show you how to make some of their favourite dishes. Both chefs are also doing individual cookery demos on Friday and Sunday.
Scottish Shucking Championship
The ‘Shuck Off’ returns to Stranraer Oyster Festival, pitting chefs, oyster growers, producers, fishermen and industry professionals against each other in a bid to claim the title of Scottish Oyster Shucking Champion! The winner will go on to represent Scotland at the World Oyster Opening Championships in Galway, Ireland. The Championship takes place from 12.30pm-2pm on Saturday 14th September, compered by Chef Andy Cummings.
Opening Parade
A bright and lively twilight parade to mark the start of the oyster harvesting season on Friday evening. Led by the Vital Spark, with participation from the young people of Stranraer, a dazzling fling from the Lochryan Highland Dance Events Group and culminating in a spectacular firework display.
The Oyster Bar
The Oyster Bar is where festival-goers can indulge in the real stars of Stranraer Oyster Festival – the oysters themselves! There’s Loch Ryan natives available to try, as well as farmed rock oysters. For anyone trying oysters for the first time, the Loch Ryan Oyster Fishery team are happy to spend time offering advice and tips about how best to enjoy them.
Extreme Pond Dipping
This is pond dipping like no other! The crew of the oyster boat, the Vital Spark, head out to the oyster bed and bring back to shore everything they find to give visitors the opportunity to get up close and personal with the aquatic life that lives in Loch Ryan. Visitors of all ages will be able to see and handle some of the creatures, which often includes crabs and starfish, as well as oysters.
Water Sports
We are pleased to welcome Stranraer Water Sports Association back to Stranraer Oyster Festival who will be providing free water sports taster sessions all weekend long. Canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding and - new for this year - sailing! This is a fantastic opportunity to get out on the water and enjoy Loch Ryan like you never have before!
Artisan Market
If you've been to Stranraer Oyster Festival before, you'll know the festival market is an amazing showcase of local food, drink and craft producers. There will be some familiar faces, some limited edition Oyster Festival products, and some exciting new stalls at the 2024 event. This is a great opportunity to discover unusual locally-sourced products, and to fill your baskets with a wide range of tasty goods!
Live Music
We're dialling up the live music at Stranraer Oyster Festival this year! Our live music programme sees some big favourites return to lift the roof of the Entertainment Marquee! Headliners include ska band Porkpie on Friday, the ever-popular Astoria (pictured) on Saturday evening and the Dangleberries take to the stage to round off the festival on Sunday.
