Rye is all set tocelebrate scallop

The week-long celebration of the sea’s harvest runs from February 15 - 23.

A host of scallop-themed events are planned for the festival. Details of cookery schools, shucking demonstrations, tastings, quizzes and themed music nights are all featured on the website.

One of the firmly established highlights is the What a Load of Scallops Race which sees teams running around the town with barrow loads of shells, competing for the coveted Scallop Trophy.

Many thousands of scallops will be served in the restaurants of Rye during the festival in a variety of exciting ways.

Webbe’s seared scallops with caramelised apple, black pudding and cider sauce is a great favourite and international themed scallop dishes will feature at The Ship Inn’s, Scallops of the World Unite evening.

The famous Mermaid Inn is featuring butter-poached, smoked and pan-fried scallop dishes on its menu, whilst Simply Italian promises a scallop themed risotto.

A fun night of Scallop Bingo will be on offer at the cosy Standard Inn during the Rye Bay Scallop Week and there will also be a fun Scallop Quiz for seafood aficionados and anyone else keen to test their shellfish and general knowledge.

Scallops are one of the main “catches” at this time of year and the season is short but they are at their absolute succulent best in February.

For more details on this year’s event visit the website Please see http://scallop.org.uk.