The festival ‘officially’ begins when the oysters are brought ashore in traditional yokes.
| When | Where | Cost |
| 11.30am | East Quay Beach | Free |
The re-enactment of a familiar activity from years past.
The oysters are brought ashore and blessed by the Rev. Simon Tillotson before being presented to a representative of the Mayor of Canterbury. This year, appropriately, it will be City Councillor Cyril Windsor who was also a councillor with the Whitstable Urban District council prior to 1974 and its absorption into Canterbury City Council.
The oyster are then ready to join the Oyster Parade to be delivered throughout the town.
Pictures from WOF2008 (Click to enlarge).
- Awaiting the oysters
- Arrival of oysters and the press
- Ascending the beach
- Accepting the oysters
- Samba Pelo Mar 1
- Samba Pelo Mar 2
- Victorian Splash
- Were you here?
Images from Jon L, Christina Burrows, Neil Baker.












