Details of this year's Galway Oyster Festival, which is celebrating its 50th year, were announced yesterday. The chairman of the festival, Mr Paul Faller, promised it would be the best and biggest party ever seen in Galway.
"We are expecting 10,000 guests, and judging by the demand and interest, we may well exceed that figure."
The festival was first held in 1954 when 34 guests attended. It was set up to celebrate the start of the oyster season and to help extend the tourist season into September. Since then, the festival has grown each year.
Mr Faller said the festival gave Galway a massive financial boost. It is estimated it will bring more than €6 million to the city.
The highlight of the festival is the Guinness World Oyster Opening Championship, which takes place on September 25th.
This year 18 countries have entered contestants, with Estonia entering the competition for the first time.
The organisers are expecting a record attendance to celebrate the 50th festival, which takes place from September 23rd to 26th, and already the Gala Ball has sold out.
Guests are expected to consume 100,000 oysters over the weekend.