Seafood lovers are in for a treat this September, as Plymouth Seafood Festival returns on 15 and 16 September.

A vibrant celebration of the incredible fresh fish and seafood on offer in Britain’s Ocean City, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during the weekend. Here’s 12 things to see, do and experience…

1. Watch top chefs in action

Head to the Cookery Theatre to see talented regional chefs cooking up a storm. The programme includes Dez Turland (Saunton Sands Hotel), Paul Doidge (KUKU/The Mission), Suphawadee Kaden (Supha’s Street Food Emporium) and Tom Dodd (The Greedy Goose), plus many more! They’ll be taking to the stage between 10am and 4pm each day of the festival, cooking up delicious seafood dishes to inspire and influence your home cooking. See the full programme here. 

2. Competitive crabbing

On Sunday 16 September, get your game face on and head to The Boathouse Café at 2.30pm to take part in the Crabbing Competition! No pre-booking is required and it costs just £5 to take part, with all the equipment provided. There’s some fantastic prizes up for grabs and the winner will be announced at 4pm from the Cookery Theatre.

3. Keep the kids entertained

CaterEd will host their Kids Kitchen, so younger families can get involved in free hands-on activities, making Fish Kebabs and Smashing Smoothies!

The National Marine Aquarium will also be hosting activities in their ‘Showcase Marquee’, including a contest for families to see who can dress up in a full fishing outfit the fastest and fish dissections.

4. Stay afloat

The fantastic IMechE Cardboard Boat Race returns to Commercial Wharf on Saturday 15 September. Build a boat out of nothing but a few bits of cardboard and some sticky tape, and sail it around a course in the harbour. The winner is the last one to sink! Teams can either opt into the pre-build option or build on the day. Find out more here.

5. Pick up some tips

Head to the Plymouth Trawler Agents marquee to see a display of over 45 different local species of fish from our waters. They’ll demonstrate how to fillet fish and you’ll be able to ask the experts any questions.

6. Learn about life under the sea

Listen to the National Marine Aquarium’s short, interactive talk about the 80 species of fish which visit UK waters at 11am and 2pm each day. 

7. Meet local fishermen

Fishing vessels provided by Interfish will be moored alongside Quay Square. Come along to see the vessels and chat to local fishermen about their fascinating and sometimes forbidding experiences out on the water.

8. Treat yourself

More than 25 traders will line Quay Square and the Parade, selling delicious street food to enjoy on the day, as well as some special treats to take away – you’ll find everything from shellfish to spice kits, fudge, liqueurs and even cheese on offer!

Make sure to stop by the Ventons Devon Cyder bar for a drink of award-winning local cider!

The festival’s resident artist, Debby Mason, will also be in attendance, selling her beautiful sea themed prints. Why not pick up a mug or hand-printed textile to take home with you and brighten up your kitchen?

9. Cook Your Catch

Le Vignoble and Plymouth Boat Trips have teamed up to provide the ultimate seafood dining and wine tasting experience at Royal William Yard. On Saturday 15 September, two boats will depart from Royal William Yard Marina for an exclusive fishing trip, followed by filleting demonstrations and an English wine tasting at Le Vignoble. Enjoy the freshest of locally sourced meals! Pre-booking is essential, find out more here.

10. Tuck into fresh crab

On Sunday 16 September, Rockfish will be hosting their annual Crab Festival, with entertainment, live music and of course, lots of fresh crab dishes! The party starts at 12pm and is free to attend, so why not pop along? Find out more here. 

11. Support the RNLI 

Visitors to Commercial Wharf on Sunday 16 September will be able to see the RNLI lifeboat and meet members of the crew at their Open Day. Ask questions and learn more about the charity’s life-saving work.

12. Take home freshly caught fish 

Pick up the ‘catch of the day’ at the fish auction on Sunday, 2.45pm! Snap up some fresh fish to take home, with all proceeds going to the Fishermen’s Mission charity.