History

The North East Oyster Festival has become a North East institution, but its story began over two decades ago, in 2004. Since then the event has grown into one of the region’s most glamorous annual gatherings, raising more than £2.5 million for remarkable local charities.

Over the years, the stage has welcomed first-class entertainers from across the globe including Sister Sledge, Tony Hadley, Rick Astley, Heather Small, Paul Young & Martha Reeves. Alongside the musical talents of the aforementioned, the Oyster Festival has also played host to comedic legends such as Joe Pasquale, Frank Carson, Al Murray The Pub Landlord, Nina Conti and Barbara Nice. 

“It’s very much a celebration of the finest of everything,” says John Adamson. “We never forget that one of the main reasons we created the Oyster Festival was to support the incredible charities in our region.”

Due to demand, there are now two annual events – The Oyster Festival in September and the Lobster Festival in May, since the first event we have catered and entertained over 20,000 people and raised over £2.5 million for local charities.