Champagne and oysters anyone?

Over 50,000 seafood lovers flocked to the wonderful 17th Century harbour in Weymouth during a July weekend last year to celebrate seafood. And along with the copious amounts of fresh seafood, there were gallons of Champagne! Yes, the pull of 100 stalls selling all different types of seafood as well as the perfect accompaniment. We don’t know all the details but last year was a complete riot for seafood lovers.

Dorset Seafood Festival has top chefs eager to demonstrate their seafood-cooking skills, housed in the cookery theatre. Last years line up included Nigel Bloxham, from Crab House Cafe, River Cottage’s John Wright (forager) and Dorsets own Russell Brown and Matthew Budden. Walking down the harbour side, it’s not uncommon to spot a Stein, as well as any number of other top chefs come to see and be seen.

There isn’t just going to be stuff for the grown-ups. Kids will be kept entertained! There are lots of activities to keep them busy including face-painting, trails and crabbing. The National Lobster Hatchery are planning to keep them busy and educating them, too. They won’t be alone in learning how to do things; the point of the festival, apart from encouraging people to enjoy seafood, is to make seafood more accessible and encourage it’s use in kitchens everywhere.

So if you love seafood but feel a bit overwhelmed at the thought of filleting a fish, then don’t worry. By the end of the day you’ll be facing them with confidence!