Crowds gathered at Falmouth’s Events Square this morning to get their first taste of Falmouth Bay Oysters at the 14th Falmouth Oyster festival.

With top-notch Cornish cuisine up for grabs, plus the odd glass of champagne, the square was transformed into a fish dish paradise.

Mike Rangecroft from Falmouth Festivals kicked off the proceedings before mayor Geoffrey Evans opened the festival and handed over to special guest TV chef Valentine Warner who did the first of a series of cooking demonstrations that will take place over the coming days.

Mr Rangecroft said: “The Falmouth native oyster fishery and fishermen are alive and well. They don’t only dredge the oysters but they purify them and present them at the festival. We are very proud that we have a great oyster fishery here.”

Geoffrey Evans welcomed Valentine Warner and pointed out that he had notice the chef eyeing up the golden oyster on his mayoral chain.

Over the next four days there will be a wealth of cooking demonstrations from chefs across Falmouth, live music and oyster related fun and games, including a children’s parade and a shucking competition. Pick up your copy of the Packet next Wednesday for a full roundup.