Frequently Asked Questions

In 2025, the Festival starts on Friday 12th September at 6pm and goes on the whole weekend until Sunday 14th September, 7pm. The Big Bash date is still to be announced. More information to follow.

Tickets for Stranraer Oyster Festival 2025 are currently not yet available to buy. 

Once released, they can be purchased online or paper tickets are also available to purchase from the Gateway2Galloway building in the Breastworks Carpark, Stranraer or Central Cafe.

If we haven't sold out, remaining tickets will be available to purchase on the door. However, we highly recommend purchasing online in advance to avoid disappointment.

Tickets are needed for most events in our kitchen marquee, including talks and cookery demonstrations. All other events are FREE to attend with a festival general admission ticket.

In the unlikely event that Stranraer Development Trust cancel any ticketed aspect of the programme at Stranraer Oyster Festival (including full festival cancellation), please be assured all tickets will be fully refunded by Citizen Ticket, excluding any applicable booking fees.

We encourage payment by card across the festival site, but we do accept cash. Individual traders will decide their own preferred payment methods.

Of course! While Loch Ryan Oysters are at the heart of our festival celebrations, the event is a platform to showcase all of our wonderful local produce. There's lots of non-seafood food available, including vegetarian and vegan food. Food stalls will be open all weekend.

Yes! We have a varied programme over the full weekend to entertain everyone, including our kids marquee packed with fun shows and workshops. There's live music and a late bar for those who like to party, plenty of delicious food offerings for the foodies and lots of other exciting events over the weekend. See our full programme here.

We are committed to ensuring the festival is inclusive and accessible to all. Ramps are situated where necessary to ensure access to all marquees and events. There is a dedicated disabled car park for Blue Badge holders close to the festival site. Should you have further accessibility enquiries, please contact the festival staff.

Yes! We welcome well-behaved dogs in all areas of our festival site. We love seeing your furry friends! Dog water bowls will be situated around the festival site. Please be a responsible dog owner, keeping dogs on a lead and do clean up after them.

The festival works closely and positively with the local authority to ensure the event goes beyond compliance in terms of health and safety, food hygiene and environmental sustainability. We undertake risk assessments, hold appropriate insurance and we have developed a comprehensive suite of operational procedures. First aid responders and security personnel are on-site for the full duration of the festival. Detailed site plans with emergency vehicle access and RV points will be posted around the festival site for the public's knowledge, and a public announcement system is available for use by the festival team if needed. 

Volunteer sign up is now live. Interested? Please visit this page for more info on roles and how to sign up.

Registration for the Scottish Oyster Shucking Championship is now open. You can read more about eligibility and sign up to take part here.

Registration for the Oyster Eating Championship will open in August.

Applications for the 2025 festival are not yet live. Please check back soon for further updates.