ONE of the biggest and most eagerly anticipated events on the North East social calendar brought together food, drinks, entertainment – and a huge boost for a leading regional charity.
The Oyster Festival at Hardwick Hall Hotel near Sedgefield attracts hundred 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 – held on Friday (25 September) – is equally as renowned for raising money for its chosen good causes and was able to help Angel Trust – which offers a range of services to support local 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 performance 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 £3000 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.
“We are absolutely delighted that our guests gave so generously and we have been able to give a substantial amount to Angel Trust,” he said.
“We have supported the charity over a number of years and they do a fantastic job in helping so many people.
“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.”
Clair McGregor, CEO of the Trust said, “Angel Trust is delighted to have been nominated as the chosen Charity for the Oyster Festival 2026.”
“We support thousands of individuals across the year with a range of needs, from Toy Appeals to crisis counselling and everything in between,
“The fundraising landscape is challenging at the moment and so a one-off cash injection like this will mean so much to the entire charity. Thank you to John Adamson and the Hardwick team for their hard work on the day.”