Brixham’s England Seafood Feast Celebrates Local Catch and Community
Festival showcases Devon’s fishermen, chefs, and locally landed seafood across the English Riviera
Brixham is preparing to host the England Seafood Feast, a two-week celebration of locally landed seafood, showcasing the richness of Devon’s fishing industry and supporting local producers. Kelly Whitley, event organiser and director of the English Riviera BID Company, said: “Seafood Feast is all about celebrating what is landed locally…to encourage people to try more species, get to know the chefs, get to know the fishermen’s stories.”
The festival will take place across more than 40 venues in Brixham, Torquay, and Paignton, from cafes and restaurants to hotels. “When you go into any of our participating venues, you’re eating locally landed and caught seafood…or you might be going to a special event,” Kelly said.
The event highlights Devon’s variety of seafood, with over 40 species available, including some less familiar options. “We land a huge amount of locally landed species…a lot of it we don’t eat locally, we ship it overseas. This is about encouraging people to try things they might not usually eat, like octopus,” Kelly explained.
Some venues will offer themed events, such as tasting menus and cooking demonstrations. Kelly said, “You can meet the chefs, meet the fishermen, learn their stories…really celebrate all the seafood.” Pear Point in Torquay, ranked among the UK’s top 25 fish and chip shops, will showcase locally landed fish in classic dishes.
Families are also catered for, with the festival’s “Sea Dogs” event giving dogs and their owners a beach walk followed by free homemade seafood dog treats. Kelly added, “Green Bay vets are there to give a bit more knowledge about how great seaweed and seafood is for your dog’s diet.”
The England Seafood Feast also aims to extend the tourism season and support the local economy. “It’s about promoting what’s amazing in the English Riviera…supporting local fishermen and producers, and celebrating British food fortnight,” Kelly said.
Visitors can book directly with venues to sample everything from casual seafood snacks to special dining experiences. “There’s something for everybody and every budget,” Kelly said. “We’d love to see people eating and celebrating what’s landed locally.”