On the 9th of October Events Square will host the 23rd edition of the Falmouth Oyster Festival.

The celebrations signal the start of the oyster dredging season, the native Falmouth Oyster and the diversity of Cornish seafood.

The festival kicks off with an evening of entertainment by seven-piece jump jive band Company B, doors open at 7 pm. Evening support donations go towards Mylor Sailability.

Thursday 10th offers a full day of activities, the festival opens with arts and crafts, local produce and food stalls.

Emily Scott from the St Tudy Inn gives the grand opening followed by a cooking demonstration finishing at 12.30.

Thursday closes with entertainment from Johnny Cowling, and live music from The Countrymen.

Friday starts with a talk from wine expert Stuart Douglas, and wine tasting.

Following Stuart Douglas is live music from Viv Robertson, a local musician bringing together Blues, Folk, Country, Rock and Reggae.

Saturday provides a host of entertainment, with a cooking demonstration from George Morgan, Hooked on the Rocks. The eagerly anticipated Oyster Shucking Competition takes place from 1500-1600.

Saturday concludes with live music from Smokey's King Shufflers, supported by Russell Sinclair.

The festival ends on Sunday with a cooking demonstration from Glynn Wellington, IndiDog, Falmouth. There is also a closing performance from Cornish singers The Oggymen.

Samantha Groom, Director of Falmouth Oyster Festival, said: "The festival brings together a blend of esteemed local chefs, hardworking oyster fishermen, food and drink enthusiasts and an eclectic mix of musicians, all in celebration of the start of Falmouth's unique oyster fishery season."

Samatha also gave her thoughts on key things to look out for: "Opening ceremony demonstration by Emily Scott, Grand Oyster Parade with local schools, oyster shucking competition, Sunday afternoon with The Oggymen.

"Falmouth Oyster Festival began in 1996 this is now in its 23rd year. The event was first held at The Poly with around 1000 oysters consumed, today the festival attracts around 40,000 visitors and approximately 20,000 oysters are consumed over the four days."

Seasalt Cornwall is the festivals, principal sponsor. Neil Chadwick, Founder of Seasalt Cornwall, said: "Having enjoyed spending time at Falmouth Oyster Festival in previous years, I am delighted that Seasalt is now sponsoring this unique event.

"The festival not only contributes in abundance to the vibrancy of the town, which is close to our hearts but also brings visitors from around the world and keeps traditional Cornish skills alive and relevant for a whole new generation.  I'd like to say a huge thank you to the Festival committee for welcoming us on board."

St Michaels Resort is also showing its support for the festival by hosting seafood-related events throughout the festival.

From Thursday to Sunday there is a Festival supper in the Garden Kitchen and Surf & turf in Brasserie on the Bay, St Michaels Resort, a table must be reserved.

On Friday 11th, there is an exclusive tutored champagne tasting by Laurent Perrier at St Michaels paired with afternoon tea. Must be booked in advance.

Saturday will showcase a cookery demonstration done St Michaels style, how to prep, cook and understand the health benefits of a sea-based diet.

For more information, and how to reserve tables, see the full schedule.

The daytime entry is free, with a ticket to the evening entertainment costing £10.

For the full programme, click the button below.