'Shucks away' at Falmouth Oyster Festival October 23 2012

Tricks of the trade were on show at the Oyster Festival in Falmouth on Saturday as competitors lined-up for one of the most eagerly awaited events, the chance to be crowned the champion oyster shucker. The competition always draws big crowds, and this year was no exception as former champions, seasoned festival shuckers and a keen amateur or two went head to head on the main stage. With ten shuckers racing against the clock to plate the best oysters, judged by experts, the pressure was on as knives flew and oysters were prised open. With the art of opening oysters a tricky one to master there were some who whittled through their piles in record times while others struggled with the mighty molluscs, even using gloves to get a better grip, and to save those fingers from nasty cuts from the sharp knives. This year saw the judges, seasoned shucker Robert Bunny, and Annie Sibert from My Fish Kitchen, decide on a winner, with Ann Oliver picking up a bottle of champagne, and the honour that goes with the title of best Falmouth Oyster Festival Oyster Shucker. 2:52:56 'no penalties' 2nd place Ranger 3rd place Tristan Hugh Jones