The Nyetimber Dorset Seafood Festival, the UK’s biggest, fishiest celebration of all things seafood-y is back in the wonderful amphitheatre of Weymouth Harbour on the south coast.
Don a hat and get yourself to the coast where you can gorge on oysters, go mad for crab and wash it all down with a glass of Nyetimber fizz (or two), while learning all about the wealth of fish and seafood available to us just off our very own shores.
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This festival is free to attend and is great to enjoy with family or friends. You can wander up and down the atmospheric seafront and taste seafood from up to 100 stalls, while sipping on a variety of different drinks, including locally made fizz from Nyetimber.
Alternatively, join in with special hands-on masterclass sessions, learn about lesser known species or listen to debates about the future of our seas and, of course, discover why we should all be eating more seafood.
The line-up of chefs taking part in talks includes Mitch Tonks, who is opening his latest seafood restaurant Rockfish in Weymouth this summer, eminent restaurateur and food writer Mark Hix, and Nigel Bloxham from local favourite The Crab House Café.
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Sunday Telegraph columnist Susy Atkins and title sponsor Nyetimber will be holding tastings showcasing the joys of English sparkling wine, John Wright of River Cottage will be discussing foraging, while another talk that catches our eye is by Nick Evans: head chef lecturer from the Rick Stein Cookery School. Highlighting the importance of sustainability, the 2019 Festival will have a particular focus on Brown Crab, with all its nutritional benefits. A host of other local heroes complete the programme.
The Nyetimber Dorset Seafood Festival raises funds for the Fishermen's Mission charity, a vital port of call for fishermen and their families who face hard times.
Where: Weymouth Harbour, DT4 8ED
When: 13-14 July
Why: Champers, seafood, tastings, talks and more
Transport: South Western Railway or park-and-ride at the Mount Pleasant car park just out of town
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If you’re in the harbour town and hungry for more, find restaurants near Weymouth.
Words: Mark de Wesselow