Sunny weather has given a seafood celebration on the banks of the River Deben a boost as organisers believe the sixth annual Woodbridge Shuck will be the most successful yet.
Around 1,800 people have flocked to the east Suffolk town so far this weekend – tucking in to sell-out suppers at the Shuck Shack and sipping a glass of fizz at the Tide Mill Reception.
Now in its sixth year, the festival has seen guests enjoy a bumper crop of events and attractions in the main arena at Whisstocks on the Quayside.
Surrounding restaurants have drawn in crowds with special seafood-inspired menus.
Oysters, crabs, lobster, whelks, cockles and brown shrimp caught on Suffolk shores are among the delicacies on offer at the festival, which lasts until tomorrow evening.
Suffolk-based seafood champion Jonathan Simper catches fresh fish in Aldeburgh with his family and produces mussels and oysters from the Deben.
He said: “It has been superb, and the weather has been kind to us this time and the sun has been out. We must have had between 1,500 and 1,800 people and quite a lot of them came over the last few hours, it has been packed and always busy.
“Our pick and cook attraction is a particular highlight – people can choose which fish or seafood they want to have and then cook it on the barbecue.
“There is lots to choose from like Dover Sole, lobsters and the crab cakes have gone down really well.
He added: “This is definitely our most successful yet without a doubt.
“It is the biggest and best ever crowds and all of us are enjoying it.
“There’s a lot for children, we’ve had face painting, messy play and some live music and entertainment for the adults.”
Paintings from maritime artist Claudia Myatt are also being showcased at the festival, which will see guests participate in the Safari Supper tomorrow evening.
Groups will tuck in to a three course dinner from 7pm – drinking fizz and eating canapes at The Crown and alternating between top Woodbridge restaurants The Table and The Galley for the remaining two courses.
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