The fishing industry is one of the north-east’s biggest successes. With a deep history and tradition steeped within local fishing communities, it boasts a skilled workforce that are incredibly passionate about what they do.
Peterhead is one of those fishing villages at the heart of the industry and next month the town will host its own festival dedicated to it.
Taking place on Saturday September 3, the Peterhead Seafood Festival will showcase the wide variety of businesses involved in the sector and will shine a light on some of the best, well-known produce to other items that aren’t as widely consumed.
It will be an opportunity for customers to chat face-to-face with producers and find out more about the produce and Peterhead’s Fish Market which is Europe’s largest white fish exporter.
When does Peterhead Seafood Festival take place?
The festival takes place on Saturday September 3 from 10am to 3pm in the town centre for the first time since 2019.
It is being organised by Rediscover Peterhead and will be held in conjunction with Peterhead Producers’ Market which is a monthly market that showcases the best of local.
Peterhead Seafood Festival was launched in September 2018 and resulted in the highest footfall in Peterhead for 18 years with 14,500 people visiting in a 24 hour period versus a 6,000 average. The 2019 festival was 20% busier than the previous year.
What food and drink stalls will be there?
With more than 20 stalls already signed up there will be a whole host of local vendors the public will be able to visit and meet.
From home bakers who make some of the best cakes in the area, to chocolatiers who can also help satisfy those sweet cravings, to confectioners, distillers, butchers and more, there is plenty for everyone to get their teeth into.
What better place to try local seafood than a coastal fishing town?
Full list of foodie exhibitors:
- Blue Toon Bakes – cakes and traybakes
- Cakesicles by Catherine
- Col’s Baking Kits
- Larch Home Bakery – cupcake bouquets and sea create themed cupcakes
- Little Molly’s Cheesecakes – cheesecake, meringue cake and tiramisu
- Dizzy’s Sweets
- Kilted Fudge Company
- Laura Larch Chocolates
- The Green Cocoa Team
- Highland Boundary – spirits and liqueurs
- The Fruit Mart – fruit and veg
- Auchmaliddie Mains Beef
- Granite City Fish
- The Crab Company (Scotland) Ltd
- Damn Fine Cheese
- Longside Apiaries – honey
Will I be able to get something to eat?
Hot food will be served up from the varying street food vendors who will be in attendance.
Auchmaliddie Mains Beef will be cooking up some of their delicious quality burgers while the team at Edelwurst Catering will bring an authentic taste of Germany to Peterhead with their German street food offering.
They are known for their currywurst, bratwurst, burgers and hot dogs.
What about the cooking demonstrations?
The Seafood Kitchen trailer hosted by Cat and John Frankitti will showcase Peterhead’s finest seafood.
Peterhead Seafood Festival will celebrate local seafood caught and landed by the event sponsors and members of the North East of Scotland Fisherman’s Organisation (NESFO).
As well as local crab, smoked salmon and oil-rich fish dishes will be prepared and cooked by local chefs or cooks on the day.
Will there be other entertainment?
Families can enjoy everything from musicians to dancers, to storytellers and other entertainers too.
There will be plenty to keep little ones preoccupied and there will also be enough to keep adults on their toes.
Love Rara, will be creating a magical experience, attending with their Land Mermaid, Captain Crow, their Face Painters and they will also have glitter tattoos.
Storyteller Pauline Cordiner will be telling tales of ocean odysseys, magical mermaids, sleek selkies, killer kraken, problematic pirates and fearless fishwives. The stories will be suitable for all ages.
Josh the Ninjapiper will be opening the festival, playing a selection of Scottish favourites with some modern tunes added in and Buchan Giving Tree will be hosting a town centre treasure hunt.
Dory, Nemo and other characters will be attending and will be handing out goodie bags for youngsters and Lawrence Dance Academy, Burnhaven Choir and Jungle John Animal Events will also be in attendance.
Six gift suppliers and crafters will also be selling their wares for those looking to pick anything up.
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