Get ready for the 42nd Knysna Oyster Festival

KNYSNA NEWS - The 42nd Knysna Oyster Festival will take place from 2 to 13 July this year.

Themed "It's time to come out of your shell!", it will celebrate the iconic oyster that gave the festival its name, and the much-anticipated return of the Oyster Cooking Competition.

This is where local chefs will battle it out to turn the humble mollusc into mouthwatering magic.

Whether you like them grilled, baked, spiced or au naturel, this is the year to get your oyster fix.

But the festival isn't just about seafood.

It promises 10 jam-packed days of sport, lifestyle, food, drink, and good times for the whole family, from markets and music to kids' activities, art exhibitions and wine tastings.

As always, the festival kicks off with the Knysna Forest Marathon, which will set the pace on the first weekend (4 July).

Those who wanted to run the half marathon will have have to cheer from the sidelines, as the tickets are unfortunately sold out.

There are however still a few spots left in the full marathon.

The festival wraps up with wheels spinning and hearts racing at the Knysna Cycle Tour (12-13 July), a celebration of endurance, scenery and local spirit.

A warm welcome to visitors
Mayor Thando Matika said the Knysna Oyster Festival is one of the town's proudest annual traditions, and it will be pulling out all the stops this year.

"We're looking forward to record numbers of visitors coming to experience not only the fantastic festival programme, but also the charm of our restaurants, our shops, all our exhilarating activities and our warm Knysna hospitality," Matika said.