The Whitstable Oyster Festival Association (WOFA) would like to thank you for all of your input, suggestions, sponsorship, in-kind or financial support, or physical assistance during the Festival. It will be a while before a full analysis can be completed in terms of visitor numbers and feedback but we feel it would be fair to assess the 2008 Festival as the best yet. This would not have been possible without the fantastic support of the people and businesses of Whitstable, the hard work of the members of Canterbury City Council’s Arts and Creative Development and Steward’s teams, the knowledgeable and ever helpful Whitstable Visitor Information Centre staff, the fine weather and the vision of Mair Stratton, Festival Co-ordinator. The spin-offs from the Festival are far reaching in terms of community cohesion. The engagement of children in the town’s culture and heritage through the Festival Parade and Grotter Building, their health and lifestyle in the sports and other participatory events that were provided to improve their well-being, social awareness and respect for their environment were specifically aimed as a positive and encouraging platform on which to fulfil their potential. On a wider scale the interest of television broadcasters, through the Festival, in the culture, heritage, industry and uniqueness of aspects of the town will have raised the status of the Whitstable, and the area, nationally in terms of tourism, accessibility and potential for commerce.

The 2008 Festival’s closing event, Whitstable Wishes, broke new ground and is now providing feedback with quotes such as ‘emotional’, ‘one moment in time’, ‘magical’ and ‘inspiring’.

Whitstable people often have difficulty understanding what others see as so attractive about our town but it is the spirit of the past that flows through all of us and permeates the alleyways, the shops, the beach and the harbour which creates the atmosphere that we take for granted and others relish. There is a real sense of community, which become so apparent during the Festival.

So, be proud of our town and of yourself for your part in the 2008 Whitstable Oyster Festival. If you want to take the next step in influencing the direction of future Festivals we have the perfect opportunity for you. Just let us know. Brenda Welch, Brian Baker, Hannah Walton, Jon Bird, Daphne Bird, Liz Leaman, Sarah Cheeseman, Sandy Carter, Michael Marsh. The Whitstable Oyster Festival Association (WOFA).

Now planning for 2009!