The Oyster Festival, at Hardwick Hall Hotel, near Sedgefield, attracts hundreds of guests every year, with its programme of top class music, free flowing drinks and the opportunity to enjoy the freshest of seafood and oysters.
The event is equally as renowned for raising money for its chosen good causes and was able to help the Angel Trust – which offers a range of services to support people in need – with a massive £60,000 boost.
The festival has been taking place at the hotel for more than 20 years and the money raised – combined with that collected at its sister event, The Lobster Ball – has led to around £2m being donated to charities across the region.
This time round guests enjoyed performances by headliners, Scouting For Girls, along with Britain’s Got Talent comedian, Cal Halbert, Irish band the Emerald Thieves and Just Tina – an electric tribute to Tina Turner.
JJ Galway Band added to the Irish flavour, with DJ Brandon Block taking to the decks.
A £3,000 donation went to the young Kelly Hendry Irish Dancers who performed for guests during the day, with the event also supporting The Wild Oyster Project: Tyne & Wear, which also raised funds on the day.
John Adamson, owner of Hardwick Hall Hotel, said it had been another successful event.
He said: “We are absolutely delighted that our guests gave so generously and we have been able to give a substantial amount to Angel Trust. We have supported the charity over a number of years and they do a fantastic job in helping so many people.”
John added: “Since we started the Oyster Festival and the Lobster Ball we’ve always been committed to using the events to make a really meaningful donation to our chosen charities. We are very proud of the fact that we’ve raised in the region of £2m over the years which has been used to make a massive difference to so many lives.”
