Oysters, the tasty mollusc that made the festival famous, will be the main act this year and you'll find them featured in more than 30 delectable ways at the local Tabasco Oyster Hotspots in and around Knysna.

Don't miss the Pick n Pay Oyster and Wine Mardi Gras, a celebration of cooked oysters and wine, or the popular Oyster Eating and Oyster Opening (Shucking) Competitions.

In addition to the popular cycling tours and marathons, this year's events include Bridge, bowls, soccer, golf, basketball and adventure sports.

We're catering for party-goers and the young-at-heart with a Wine Festival, a Whisky and Jazz Festival and a full eight-day Pick n Pay Young Oyster Festival programme especially for kids.

Look out for an exciting programme of events planned for the Oyster Carnival grounds at the Knysna High School field and live entertainment at the Heineken Rockspots.

The Pick n Pay Oyster & Wine Mardi Gras presented by Tabasco and the South African Chefs Association.

This year will be the 16th event in the 25 years of the Oyster Festival and the Pick n Pay Oyster & Wine Mardi Gras presented by Tabasco and SACA has raised the bar to an unsurpassed level, keeping the standards professional but yet offering a festive and memorable evening. The inclusion of a live band is guaranteed to rock the night away.

The R175.00 per person ticket includes indulging in 25 delectable and diverse oyster dishes prepared by the top restaurants in the Garden Route, tastings from 25 national wine estates and the Pick n Pay "Fresh Experience" a new alternative to those who do not eat seafood, featuring a convenient range of Pick n Pay ready-to-go snacks as well as delicious warming soups.

More than 16,000 oysters will be consumed on the evening. Each ticket holder will also receive a goodie bag containing gifts from participating sponsors.

Rotary Knysna will be running a cash bar.

The event will be hosted at the Festival Hub at Loerie Park in the Heineken Pavilion on Wednesday, 9 July 2008 from 19h00.

For more information contact Lynn Giles on 082 940 9035 or Gino Adriaensen on 082 674 0182.