Salcombe Crabfest Returns

Salcombe exudes "breath-taking coastal scenery and a relaxed lifestyle", but it's by no means a sleepy town. 

Salcombe honours its fishing and tourism industries with gusto and a generous sprinkling of fun.

Freddie Bird, Aggie Bird and chef Matt Tebbutt - credit Norsworthy Photography

Mark your calendars for Sunday, 5 May, for the return of Salcombe Crabfest; a free to attend one-day event dedicated to celebrating all things crab!

A spokesperson said: "Leisurely stroll through Salcombe’s Creek Car Park and Island Street, which will be pedestrianised for the day and transformed into a shell-ebration of this mighty-clawed crustacean.

"Highly acclaimed chefs and restaurateurs will take to the stage in the Chefs’ Demo Marquee, situated in Creek Car Park, to showcase their culinary skills. Watch chef and presenter of BBC1’s Saturday Kitchen and Channel 4’s Food Unwrapped, Matt Tebbutt; Chef Director of Rockfish, Kirk Gosden; Jane Baxter of Wild Artichokes in Kingsbridge; Ben Tonks of The Seahorse; Freddy Bird of littlefrench, among others, cook up a storm.

"Not only can you learn some excellent preparation and cooking tips, but you can be sure to find yourself laughing throughout with hilarious commentary from David Fitzgerald.

"Crabfest will host a bustling street market to guide visitors from Creek Car Park towards Island Street and Whitestrand. With Salcombe's fantastic shops, cafes, restaurants and more throughout the town too, there's so much to be enjoyed. Visitors can enjoy live music throughout the day, as well as children's activities - this really is a wonderful day out for all the family. 

"Not only is Salcombe Crabfest a fun-filled, enjoyable event for all ages, but it’s organised by dedicated volunteers of Rotary Club of Salcombe with the aim to raise as much money as possible for local charities. So far, Crabfest has raised over £60,000 for good causes since it began in 2016.

"This year, Crabfest is proud to support The Wind Project, based in Salcombe, who work with local schools and individuals to make sailing more accessible for all."

Nick Brodie, organiser of the event, adds “We are so excited for the return of Salcombe Crabfest. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone that has helped us put together this year’s event, which is shaping up to be a fantastic day out for all ages.

"We are positively overwhelmed by the support we’ve received. The festival is such a fantastic opportunity to showcase Salcombe, and the amazing fishing and tourism industries at the heart of the town, so to be able to do this whilst raising money for The Wind Project is absolutely wonderful. We can’t wait to welcome everyone!”

Of course, Salcombe Crabfest wouldn’t be possible without the amazing support of event sponsors, Coast and Country Cottages, Devon Rum Co, Marchand Petit, Rockfish, and Twisted.

With a free park and ride available as you approach the town, it couldn’t be easier to get to the festival. Salcombe Crabfest is not to be missed! For more reasons to visit this year’s event on Sunday, 5 May, 2024, visit salcombecrabfest.co.uk.