‘Gautengers’ expected to consume 2858 oysters per hour at festival

Gauteng’s largest oyster festival is expected to attract over 6000 people this weekend looking to enjoy 40 000 oysters, over 300 wines and selection of gourmet foods ranging from chocolates to olive tapenades. The organiser’s are hoping to set a new festival record by selling 40 000 medium oysters, or 2858 oysters per hour over the two day festival taking place on 2-3 June from 11:00 – 18:00.

“The Oyster Festival is the largest of its’ kind in Gauteng and is second only to the Knysna Oyster Festival. However, the Joburg event is unique in that a huge number of oysters are sold in only one venue over just fourteen hours in two days,” says Marketing Manager Francois du Buisson.

Oysters for the event are flown up to Gauteng overnight and visitors from all over Johannesburg and its surrounds have historically flocked to the festival to soak up the warm Highveld winter sun and enjoy the freshly shucked oysters and diverse range of wines and gourmet foods.

Last year’s Oyster, Wine & Food Festival saw 30 000 oysters served to more than 6 000 visitors over the weekend, a record number for the event.

All the featured wines, organic brandies and grappa from 36 wine estates will be on exhibit at the promotions court, and three top Methodé Cap Classique estates can be tasted at the Champagne Garden on the commons. The festival even caters for malt connoisseurs with a Beer Tent.

The new bigger and better Gourmet Food Tent will showcase local artisanal suppliers of desserts, chocolate, nougat, olive tapenades, cheeses and bread.

Entrance is free and visitors can go to one of four entrances to purchase a wine tasting glass for R25 and Oyster Bucks to enjoy the oysters at R10 each.

For more information contact The Brightwater Commons on 011 789 5052 or visit www.brightwatercommons.co.za and find them on Facebook.