Salcombe Crabfest started wet, but went on to be a great success according to the Rotary Club of Salcombe organisers.

John Sampson, event organiser, said that “considering the weather” the event went very well, attracting around 2,500 people to Salcombe.

“Most traders were disappointed with the slow footfall in the morning”, John explained, “but between midday and 4pm the streets were rammed with people. Those who came in the morning were definitely dressed for the weather.”

2,500 people was less than the year before, but last year the weather was fantastic all day.

John said that “The interview between David Fitzgerald [BBC Radio Devon] and Matt Tebbutt [BBC’s Saturday Kitchen] gave us a real insight into the thinking of a top chef and the pure enjoyment he gets from his job.

“The cooking demonstration with Matt and Mitch Tonks was also one of the most entertaining things I’ve seen in a long time.”

Award winning chefs Jane Baxter - Wild Artichokes Food and Events, Allister Bishop - South Sands Hotel, Joseph Robinson and Andy Richardson - Oyster Shack, all held demonstrations throughout the day.

John went on to thank all the exhibitors for putting up with the weather, Tom Bunn, who organised the chefs and the kitchen, saying “we couldn’t have done it without him”, and Charlie Yeoward for allowing them to use his workshop. “People said the ambiance of the workshop with boat parts etc really fitted it perfectly with Crab Fest” said John.

He also thanked the event’s sponsors Coast and Country Cottages and Favis of Salcombe, Mitch Tonks and all the guests and attendees.

This year the Rotary Club of Salcombe are raising money for First Responders, a charity manned by volunteers whose aim is to attend medical emergencies in advance of the NHS services. They are also planning to donate some funds to Shelter Box and other local charities.

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