Havelock Mussel and Seafood Festival a hit
The mussel opening competition, here between Talley’s Blenheim and Sanford, saw had many people eager to watch throughout the day. Photo: William Woodworth.
The annual celebration of the Sounds, and the people and products of the Pelorus, filled Havelock Domain on Saturday.
The 21st Havelock Mussel and Seafood Festival hosted thousands of eager food fans and music lovers together for the town’s highlight day for the whole family – with many travelling from far afield to celebrate.
And while Havelock saw four seasons in one day, committee member Kara Fielding says the rain didn’t dampen the day.
“It was incredible to see people embracing the festival spirit, enjoying the entertainment, and, of course, eating loads of amazing seafood – some stalls sold out earlier than expected, which goes to show how much people love our mussels and seafood.
“Havelock is the Greenshell™ Mussel capital of the world and produces some of the best seafood in the country, but the festival is about celebrating the products and the people out on the water every day.
“It’s always rewarding to see months of planning come to life, and we’re really proud of how the day unfolded.”
Rain forecast for later in the day didn’t put off stallholders or attendees as seafood stalls saw eager foodies from early, while headliners The Black Seeds kept the dancefloor full during the eager foodies from early, while headliners The Black Seeds kept the dancefloor full during the worst weather.
The mussel opening competition gathered keen crowds for the team and individual competition – including a 100-mussel opening world record attempt by individual winner DeokChan Kang from Talley’s which fell just four seconds short.
Kara’s proud of the efforts from their committee to bring a festival for the whole family each year.
“Our committee is made up of the people who attend the event who all bring our perspectives to the table to make sure every attendee is thought of to create an atmosphere where families, food lovers, and festivalgoers of all ages can have an amazing time,” she says.
“We’ll be debriefing, wrapping up the budget and seeing what we can give back through our community grants program which is always exciting.
“But before we know it, we’ll be back into planning for the 22nd festival, securing entertainment, sponsors, and working on new ideas to keep the event fresh and exciting”.