(Image: Grange Photography/John Runciman)
An oyster festival which has raised millions of pounds for good causes over the past two decades has delivered a £60,000 windfall for a North East charity.
The annual event held at Hardwick Hall Hotel near Sedgefield, raised the funds for Angel Trust through a day of entertainment, seafood, and generosity.
The Oyster Festival, held on September 25, combined live music and drinks with the spirit of giving.
John Adamson, owner of Hardwick Hall Hotel, said: "We are absolutely delighted that our guests gave so generously and we have been able to give a substantial amount to Angel Trust.
"We have supported the charity over a number of years and they do a fantastic job in helping so many people.
"Since we started the Oyster Festival and the Lobster Ball we've always been committed to using the events to make a really meaningful donation to our chosen charities.
"We are very proud of the fact that we've raised in the region of £2m over the years which has been used to make a massive difference to so many lives."
The festival has been running for more than 20 years and, together with its sister event the Lobster Ball, has helped raise around £2 million for charities across the region.
This year’s event featured performances from Scouting For Girls, Britain’s Got Talent comedian Cal Halbert, Irish band the Emerald Thieves, and Just Tina, a Tina Turner tribute act.
The JJ Galway Band also took to the stage, while DJ Brandon Block kept the party going into the night.
A £3,000 donation was also made to the Kelly Hendry Irish Dancers, who performed during the event.
Angel Trust, based in the North East, supports individuals in need through a wide range of services, from toy appeals to crisis counselling.
Clair McGregor, CEO of Angel Trust, said: "Angel Trust is delighted to have been nominated as the chosen Charity for the Oyster Festival 2026.
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"We support thousands of individuals across the year with a range of needs, from Toy Appeals to crisis counselling and everything in between,
"The fundraising landscape is challenging at the moment and so a one-off cash injection like this will mean so much to the entire charity. Thank you to John Adamson and the Hardwick team for their hard work on the day."
The festival also supported The Wild Oyster Project: Tyne & Wear, which also raised funds on the day.