Porthilly Farm in Rock will play host to the inaugural Rock Oyster Festival over the weekend of 19^th - 20^th June this year. The festival is being organised by a team of locals whose passion for the shellfish of the Cornish coast has convinced them to hold an event which celebrates and champions the sustainable seafood.

This will be the first oyster festival ever on the North coast of Cornwall which is something that the organisers and the community are already very excited about. The festival site belongs to supporter Rock Shellfish whose delicious oysters and mussels will be the stars of the show. For those who hesitate when faced with molluscs, there?s a vast array of other local produce on offer too.

With the local community at its heart the festival is to commit all profits to two causes, the RNLI and St Minver Primary School will benefit from any money made from ticket sales.

The festival is also supporting Slow Food Cornwall and the Youth Food Movement UK, not-for-profit organisations who champion "Good, Clean and Fair Food" for all. Their stalls will be open for visiting and taking part in foodie activities, alongside a collection of carefully selected local producers who will be showcasing their fayre with tasting menus all day.

No festival is complete without an opportunity to see and hear some good live music. The Destroyers, a 15 strong melee of instrumentalists, vocalists and composers who play furiously paced folk will headline on the Saturday night. Supporting will be the Winter Mountain Band a local outfit who come highly recommended.

With the festival going on over two days, there is nearby camping for those wanting to make the most of Saturday night or if you're more inclined towards AA rosettes and room service there are a selection of quality hotels nearby.

As well as the traditional delights of oyster shucking competitions and cooking demonstrations the festival will make the most of the stunning natural surroundings of Porthilly Point, overlooking the Camel Estuary, with sailing races, "The Great Mackerel Challenge" fishing race and Seashore Scavenges for the kids.

Looking at the wider importance of food in our lives and communities Rock Shellfish director, Tim Marshall will give a talk on the intriguing world of the oyster and its history in the Camel Estuary.

See the  Festival website for ticket price details.