Organisers share economic success of this year's Narooma Oyster Festival

This year's Narooma Oyster Festival was a sold-out success that attracted more than 6600 people, and organisers have shared insights in anticipation of an even bigger schedule for 2022.

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The festival weekend held in May, kicked off with the Long Table Dinner, hosted by festival ambassador Paul West - it was sold out in under four minutes!

All together, 70,000 oysters were quaffed during the 2021 festival's 13 hours. There were 17 farmers from eight estuaries between the Shoalhaven River in the north and Pambula Lake in the south.

Keep an eye out for the Narooma Rocks van this summer - it will pop-up at Bar Beach and other spots around town as the Narooma Oyster Festival committee shares some early festival vibes. Pictured are Business Council Chief Executive Jennifer Westacott with festival chair Cath Peachey at the launch of the oyster van in April 2021.

The oysters were complimented by 28 other producers and a lineup of celebrated chefs led by Bermagui's Kelly Eastwood as well as a vibrant arts and music scene.

The family fun included a return to the winner's circle for Batemans Bay farmer Bernie Connell's oyster 'Jack', who weighed in at 2.71kg claiming the title of Australia's Biggest Oyster.

This year, during the brief period of prosperity between fires, floods and pandemic lockdowns, the 2021 oyster festival brought a five to one return on investment for the community, with a $2 million injection into the region.

Chair Cath Peachey said the festival uses sophisticated tools to measure its financial impact, including real-time transactions in Narooma from the four major banks.

"The economic impact can't be underestimated," she said.

"We saw over the oyster festival weekend that Narooma businesses took nearly half-a-million dollars more than during surrounding weekends," she said.

"For visitors, they had already pre-purchased festival tickets and accommodation, so this was additional in-region spending on things like meals, local tours and shopping."

Ms Peachey thanked festival partners and sponsors for their support as well as the hundreds of committed, friendly volunteers.

She said the festival also gave oyster farmers and producers a much needed space to connect with customers and their industry.

"The farmers really enjoy being able to share their love of oysters and that was even more special in this year of uncertainty," she said.

"For farmers who focus on wholesale to metropolitan restaurants, the festival was one of the few markets they were able to reach."

Of the 6600 patrons in attendance, 72 per cent had travelled from Canberra, Sydney and neighbouring local government areas for the event, with 60 per cent staying an average of three nights.

"The 2021 festival was a success on so many levels and given the complexity of navigating the COVID restrictions, I am delighted we were lucky enough to be able to provide this economic and marketing boost to the industry and region," she said.

The Narooma Oyster Festival will return for 2022 with a bigger program over the weekend of May 6-7.

For 2022, there will be two new ticketed premium dining experiences on the grassy foreshore of Wagonga Inlet at Forsters Bay.

Organisers said plans were underway to expand the site and introduce a seafood long lunch on Saturday and a festival finale cocktail event.

The crowd goes wild at the 2021 Oyster Shucking competition, mere nanoseconds separated champions from runner-ups. Image: Supplied.

Organisers were seeking volunteers to assist now with the planning process of managing key festival elements. If you love oysters, and want to give back to the community by volunteering contact Cath Peachey on 0412 773 571 or cath@naroomarocks.com

"The festival is run by volunteers," Mr Peachey said.

"We have a range of jobs to suit all skill levels and availability and we would really welcome hearing from those who would like to be part of a great community."

"Our key focus is to attract visitors to the Eurobodalla, and ensure that Narooma and the Rock Oyster Coast is recognised as producing the best oysters in the world."

General admission tickets will go on sale on November 26.

Premium experiences, including the Long Table Dinner, the Ultimate Oyster Experience, the Oyster Lounge, the Seafood Long Lunch, the Oyster and Champagne cruises and the Festival Cocktail Finale, will go on sale in early 2022.

For more information, visit www.naroomaoysterfestival.com.