Organisers of the Arbroath Sea Fest have revealed that more than 30,000 visitors are expected at this summer’s event.
Angus traders looking to take up a stall have been urged to book in early for the festival, held on August 13 and 14.
An array of local food, produce and specialist seafood will be on offer, in addition to music and entertainment in a number of the town’s pubs.
Event director Eleanor Whitby said, “The Sea Fest cookery demonstrations are always very popular.
“Demonstrations take place from lunchtime onwards on Saturday and Sunday and offer chefs from across Angus and Dundee an excellent chance to show off their cooking skills.”
Fish trader Ian Spink will take up his usual pitch, selling fresh Arbroath smokies, while Sharon Teviotdale of Arbroath Quality Fish will provide a variety of options.
She said, “At Sea Fest, we focus on cooked seafood which visitors can sample there and then. This is our third time at Sea Fest.
“Having a stall is a great way of telling people who we are and what we do, which, in turn, boosts sales.”
Several groups have signed up to perform, including Arbroath Instrumental Band, Angus Folk Group and Thomson Leng Productions.
In addition, a swashbuckling band of pirates will be on walk-about duty to entertain the crowds and provide a re-enactment on the Sunday.
“Arbroath’s pirate links go back to medieval days,” said Bill Smith of Arbroath Abbey Timethemes.
“According to legend, Ralph the Rover cut the original bell from the Bell Rock so he could salvage the cargoes of the ships that would then be smashed against the reef and there are also historical accounts of a pirate attack on Arbroath.”
Councillor Donald Morrison said, “At a time when people are increasingly holidaying at home, Sea Fest is an excellent way of encouraging people across the United Kingdom to discover for themselves how much there is to do and see in Arbroath.”