Hillsborough Oyster Festival set to return

(L-R) Alistair Pollock, Business Development Manager, Phoenix Natural Gas, Sarah Waugh, Hillsborough International Oyster Festival committee member, Julienne Marie Curran, Ireland Corporate Sales Manager, Turkish Airlines, and Nigel Crawford, Executive Director, Quilter Cheviot celebrate toast the launch of the Hillsborough International Oyster Festival which will return on Tuesday 30th August to Sunday 4th September. Photo by Darren Kidd/Press Eye

Now in its 24th year, this event attracts over 14,000 visitors annually from across the world and this year boasts a packed programme of popular events and activities.

Don Spence, chairman of the festival’s organising committee, said: “We are thrilled with the support the Hillsborough International Oyster Festival is receiving in the run-up to this year’s event.

“The number of big-name brands coming on-board in 2016 is testament to the Festival’s long-standing position as a successful and prestigious event.

“We are confident this additional support will help continue the Festival’s reputation as one of the best Festivals in the UK.”

The Festival’s signature oyster-eating showcase will be returning as challengers take on the reigning champion and Guinness World Record Holder, Colin Shirlow, at the Turkish Airlines World Oyster Eating Championship on Saturday September 3.

Cystic Fibrosis Trust will be the beneficiary of this year’s fundraising activities.

Ticket prices vary, based on events running throughout the Festival.

For further information on all events taking place and to book tickets visit www.hillsboroughoysterfestival.com.