Whitstable's oyster industry shaped the town's past

The festival runs from 22 to 30 July and the money from Arts Council England will be spent on commissions and projects, Canterbury Council said.

Festival organisers said many "old favourites" already have a place in the programme, which is yet to be unveiled.

One of the events will be circus, fire and pyrotechnics on Tankerton Slopes.

The programme begins on 22 July with the Landing of the Oysters - the day of the Oyster Parade with hundreds of school children in costume - and ends with the Blessing of the Waters on 27 July.

Festival history

Promised regular features include crab-catching, walks and talks, petanque, and a tug of war.

The extra funding will also pay for festival advisers who will be drawn from the Whitstable community, the council added.

Festival co-ordinator Art Hewitt, who is still appealing for sponsorship and ideas, said the funds would allow the organisers "to do so much more".

The festival is said to date back to Norman times when Whitstable was established as a fishing port and it was the custom for fishers and dredgers to celebrate with an annual ceremony of thanksgiving.