We could not be more delighted to share the news that Outlander star Sam Heughan will headline Stranraer Oyster Festival 2026, in a flagship Sunday afternoon event that brings together conversation, cocktails and celebration of Galloway in equal measure.
And there's more. We're thrilled to confirm that every single celebrity chef who joined us in 2025 has chosen to return for 2026. Tony Singh, Rosemary Shrager, Matt Tebbutt, and Julie Lin are all back in the Kitchen Marquee, a vote of confidence in the festival from chefs at the very top of their profession, and a treat for the audiences who packed every one of their sold-out events last year.
Tickets to our headline events are on sale now, and the wider festival programme, including an enhanced community programme and a host of free-to-attend activities, will be announced in June.
Our flagship Sunday afternoon belongs to Sam Heughan, the actor and proud champion of Galloway, whose work both on screen as Jamie Fraser in Outlander and through Galloway Distillery has placed this part of southwest Scotland firmly on the cultural map. Sam will be in conversation about his life and career, before mixing two signature cocktails paired with dishes from chefs Rosemary Shrager and Julie Lin, inspired by the produce of Galloway's landscape and coastline. In Sam's commitment to championing this region, the festival shares common ground. We can't wait to welcome him to the festival stage.
That every chef from our 2025 line-up wanted to come back shows how much Stranraer Oyster Festival captures the heart of those who experience it. Most of the events involving these chefs completely sold out last year, so we thought bringing everyone back would give more people the opportunity to enjoy their demonstrations, and the hilarity that is bound to ensue. Just to underline the point, Rosemary Shrager made her return non-negotiable mid-way through last year's festival, and you don't argue with Rosemary Shrager.
Joining our 2026 line-up are two distinguished new voices. Tony Pierce, recently retired from Knockinaam Lodge after more than 25 years, returns to Stranraer Oyster Festival having helped us launch the very first festival back in 2017. And Noby Leong, the scientist, broadcaster and co-host of the celebrated Satay? Okay! Podcast, joins us after attending the 2025 festival as a visitor and falling for it completely.
We're delighted to confirm three brilliant live music headliners for 2026. Local favourites Astoria open the festival on Friday evening, and the hugely popular Rollin Drones return after their stand-out 2025 set to headline Saturday night. The festival closes on Sunday with Stevie Wonder tribute act Higher Ground.
Entries for the Scottish Oyster Shucking Championship are now open. The 'Shuck Off' brings together chefs, oyster growers, producers, fishermen and industry professionals for the title of Scottish Oyster Shucking Champion, with the winner going on to represent Scotland at the World Oyster Opening Championships in Galway. Application form here. Applications are also open for food, drink and craft traders to take part in the 2026 festival market, one of the largest and most-loved markets of its kind in southwest Scotland, and the trader application form is here.
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Stranraer Oyster Festival 2026 takes place from Friday 11th to Sunday 13th September on Stranraer's harbourside, just a stone's throw from the native oyster beds that inspired it all.
Tickets to our celebrity chef events are on sale now. Book early to avoid disappointment, last year's headline events sold out quickly, and we expect 2026 to be no different.
