The Newlyn Fish Festival will take place around the historic harbour in an event which attracts thousands of visitors every year.

Opening the festival will be John Buchan, one of the fishermen featured on the popular BBC documentary Trawlermen, which shows the harsh realities of life onboard.

There will also be the chance to see the shape of things to come in Newlyn with an exhibition about the planned £7 million fish market.

A festival spokesman said there was something for everyone.

"The Newlyn Fish Festival promises to offer visitors a fun-packed family day out in the wonderful setting of Newlyn Harbour," she said.

"People can enjoy a whole host of seafood and family entertainment surrounding Cornwall's fishing industry."

The spokesman said that inside the traditional setting of Newlyn fish market, representatives from smokehouses, London restaurants and seafood firms from the other side of the world would be offering a range of delicacies.

"There will be seafood dishes such as sushi, seafood paella, smoked seafoods, fish curries, Goan seafood, freshly cooked Cornish crab, lobster, fish cakes, oysters and, of course Newlyn crab sandwiches," she said.

Many of the fishing industry's key organisations and agencies will also be on hand, bringing issues such as sustainability, pollution, education and training to life.

Lifesize sea creatures and exhibits from the Marine Conservation Society, Reef Rockpool Road Show and the National Lobster Hatchery will enable children to learn about marine life.

Fishermen will be demonstrating traditional maritime skills including withy pot making and ropework.

Seafood Cornwall and some of Cornwall's top chefs will host the popular cooking and fish filleting demonstrations.

"It a chance to learn all the tricks of the trade, see the popular fish display and then bid for your supper at the fish auction," said the festival spokesman.

On the water, visitors will be treated to the sight of a fancy dress boat competition with prizes will be awarded to the best dressed fishing boat and crew.

The RNLI, coastguard teams and helicopter crews will be putting on rescue demonstrations.

Fishing vessels, from historic luggers to modern day trawlers and crabbers will be present with crews on hand to describe the fishing methods employed and anecdotes of life at sea.

To complement the festival, exhibitors will be offering quality local produce such as artisan breads, award-winning dressings, marinades, sauces, chutneys, local Cheddar cheese and even salsas.

The Newlyn Fish Festival will open at 9am on Monday. Entrance is £4 for adults, accompanied children go free.

article copyright WESTERN MORNING NEWS 

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