Largest Seafood Festival SeaFest Peterhead 2027
North-east’s largest seafood festival SeaFest Peterhead announces 2027 return
An Aberdeenshire festival dedicated to celebrating the seafood industry and local fishing communities will return next summer with a bumper line-up of exhibitors.
The award-winning biennial event, SeaFest Peterhead, will take place for its third edition on Saturday September 11, 2027 from 11am to 4pm at Peterhead Harbour.
SeaFest Peterhead is free to attend and has attracted around 30,000 visitors to the town since its inception in 2023. It shines a spotlight on the people and businesses in the community behind one of Scotland’s most important industries, while offering a fun-filled day for all of the family.
More than 150 local businesses are lined up to take part in this year’s celebrations, which will stretch along Birnie’s Pier to the jetty at Peterhead Port Authority.
A new chairman has been appointed for 2027 as Jimmy Buchan MBE, local businessman of Amity Fish Company, steps down from the role while remaining on the committee. Michael Bates, a former seafood industry veteran who sat on the committee in 2025, takes up the reins for 2027.
Joining Michael in leading roles on the committee include Laura McKay as vice chair and Simone Fitzsimmons as secretary. The event is solely organised by a small team of volunteers who are passionate about supporting the local area and its businesses.
Peterhead is home to Europe’s largest whitefish port, while nearby Fraserburgh is Scotland’s major shellfish port, making the north-east a powerhouse of the country’s seafood industry.
A packed programme of events is currently being designed to bring the biggest SeaFest Peterhead event to fruition. Everything from entertainment, activities, food experiences and demonstrations is in the works, giving visitors the chance to discover more about the industry on their doorstep.
The free-to-attend festival is designed to appeal to all ages, with a range of family-friendly activities and entertainment alongside opportunities to sample and buy local food and drink and meet those working in the sector.
Visitors can expect a showcase of the region’s fishing heritage and maritime industries, with fishing vessels, emergency services, harbour activities and more lined up.
A producers’ market will also showcase more than 100 food, drink and crafts businesses while street food vendors will offer a variety of options throughout the day.
New chairman, Michael Bates, worked in the seafood sector for more than 40 years before retiring. He is looking forward to building on SeaFest’s success and says the event is “not to be missed”.
“SeaFest Peterhead is an excellent opportunity for all ages to explore and learn more about the seafood industry here in the north-east. Our festival has always supported local businesses, and it allows those in our community to meet the individuals who fish along their shores and help put seafood on their plates.
“There’s a huge education element to the festival, but we’re also providing a brilliant day out for everyone to enjoy – whether you’re a foodie looking for the next new product being developed locally, picking up some freshly caught seafood, or are interested in the different vessels.”
“It’s free to attend, and there are plenty of free things for all ages to get stuck into, too, meaning it’s accessible to everyone. We couldn’t organise SeaFest Peterhead without the support of the festival’s growing list of sponsors and supporters, which we are truly grateful for. We can’t wait to welcome everyone.”
The event’s location makes it one of the most coastal celebrations across Scotland. This is thanks to the Peterhead Port Authority (PPA)’s continued support.
CEO of PPA, Graeme Reid, added: “The success of SeaFest Peterhead 2025 exceeded expectations and demonstrated the huge appetite for an event that celebrates our fishing and seafood industries. We are proud to continue our support for SeaFest in 2027 and to help build on the momentum that has made it one of the region’s most anticipated community events.
“SeaFest shines a spotlight on the people, skills and innovation that drive Peterhead’s world-renowned seafood sector. It provides an opportunity not only to showcase the quality and sustainability of our produce, but also to inspire future generations to learn more about the industries that are so important to our economy and identity.
“Peterhead Port Authority is committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen our community and promote our harbour on a national stage. We look forward to welcoming thousands of visitors to Peterhead in 2027 and celebrating everything that makes our town, port and seafood industry so special.”
SeaFest Peterhead is supported by Peterhead Port Authority, Seafood Scotland, Macduff Shellfish, Seafood Ecosse, Turriff Printing, Quantum Data Supplies and Howard Haulage, alongside a growing network of sponsors, exhibitors, local businesses and volunteers.
Further details about the 2027 programme, exhibitors and sponsors will be announced in the lead-up to the event.
Those interested in sponsoring or supporting should email info@seafest.co.uk
Exhibitors should email vendor@seafest.co.uk
For more information, please visit www.seafest.co.uk.
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