ONE of the North East’s biggest charity events is returning for its 23rd year – and it has signed a Famous chart-topping band to entertain guests.
Scouting for Girls, is headlining this year’s Oyster Festival at Hardwick Hall Hotel, Sedgefield, on Friday 25 September.
And along with the chance to hear some of the noughties band’s biggest hits – such as She’s So Lovely, Heartbeat, Famous and This Ain’t a Love Song – guests will enjoy a full day of seafood, entertainment and fundraising.
One of the most highly anticipated events on the social calendar, the Oyster Festival attracts hundreds of guests each year.
And the line-up also includes Britain’s Got Talent comedian Cal Halbert, Irish music favourites Emerald Thieves, JJ Galway Band and DJ Brandon Block, with Steve Walls hosting the day.
Guests will be served Champagne on arrival, followed by a three-course fruits de mer lunch.
There will also be fresh oyster stalls and complimentary lager, beer and wine throughout the event, which runs from 11.30am to 6pm.
The festival has raised more than £2.5m over the last two decades for local good causes and this year’s beneficiary is the Angel Trust charity.
Angel Trust supports people with a range of issues, including mental wellbeing, emergency accommodation and food poverty, across Darlington and County Durham.
Organisers are hoping to raise record amounts through ticket sales and fundraising on the day and John Adamson, owner of Hardwick Hall and Ramside Estates, said the festival “shows the region at its finest.
“From our locally caught seafood to the guests who always dig deep to help a local charity, it really is a not to be missed event,” he said.
Tickets for the Oyster Festival cost £220 each and are available by calling 01740 620253 or emailing events@hardwickhallhotel.co.uk