A popular seafood festival is having to change its venue but organisers say the move is inspiring them to create the biggest and best event yet.

The Woodbridge Shuck Shellfish Festival is being forced to ring the changes because of the development of the Whisstocks Boatyard.

This autumn’s fourth annual event – taking place from October 8-11 – will take place at various venues, celebrating not just locally-caught shellfish, but a range of Suffolk produce.

Events will include the return of the hugely popular Shuck Shack pop-up restaurant at the Tide Mill, organised by Bespoke Events and run by Stephen David and his team; the Choose Woodbridge What’s Tasty? food producers’ market on Market Hill; and Seafood Sunday, a relaxed community celebration by the Tea Hut, with new owners Sharon and Brian Wolff working with local producers on a range of foods, plus entertainers.

There will also be a Shuck Off: Oyster Shucking Competition between chefs from restaurants in the area, plus a Safari Supper in Woodbridge, where diners move between restaurants having one locally-sourced course in each.

Organisers are looking for pubs and restaurants in and around Woodbridge to support shellfish caught in the area’s rivers and the Shuck by having their own Shuck Specials – themed events, specials and menus during the festival.

Chairman of Choose Woodbridge, Chris Harrold said: “We’re very happy to be involved in the organisation of this year’s event.

“It is great for Woodbridge and really joins up the river with the town, celebrating delicious local food and the people who produce, cook and eat it.

“We have a fantastic team working on this year’s event with representatives from Simpers, Bespoke Events, Infotex, The Crown at Woodbridge, Woodbridge Tide Mill and The Tea Hut as well as ourselves. We look forward to seeing many locals and visitors enjoying the festival.”