Hardwick Hall Staff Come Out of Their Shell Ahead of Oyster Festival

Staff at Hardwick Hall Hotel near Sedgefield have been showing off their creative side ahead of one of the venue’s biggest annual events.

The Oyster Festival returns to Hardwick Hall Hotel on Friday 25 September 2026, bringing together live entertainment, food, drinks and fundraising across a full day at the County Durham venue.

This year’s event will once again support Angel Trust, while also shining a light on The Wild Oyster Project: Tyne and Wear, which is working to restore European native oysters to the region’s waters.

One of the project’s fundraising ideas gives supporters the chance to make a small donation in return for a certificate and a knitted or crocheted oyster. Guests at the festival will be able to learn more about the scheme, adopt an oyster and find out more about the restoration work taking place locally.

Hardwick Hall’s own team have also joined in, with Rib Room restaurant supervisor Helen Robson creating a special oyster for the occasion.

Sales and events manager Helen Attley said the team had revealed some hidden talents ahead of the festival and added that the handmade oyster would hopefully get pride of place during the event.

Entertainment at this year’s Oyster Festival will be headlined by Scouting For Girls. The programme also includes Britain’s Got Talent comedian Cal Halbert, Irish band Emerald Thieves and Just Tina, a tribute to Tina Turner.

The JJ Galway Band will add more Irish music to the line-up, while DJ Brandon Block is set to take to the decks during the daytime event. Steve Walls will compere the festival.

Only a small number of tickets remain, priced at £220 plus VAT per person. For booking information, contact Hardwick Hall Hotel on 01740 620253 or email events@hardwickhallhotel.co.uk.

Event details can change, so check Hardwick Hall Hotel and the official artist channels for the latest information before travelling.