So Much for “Fussy Brits”! 10,000 Sardines Devoured in a Day

The South West Sardine Festival returned to Brixham Harbour on Sunday 9th August where more than 3,500 people descended on the quayside for a free, family-friendly celebration of the British sardine. Over 10,000 sardines were grilled over charcoal across 2,500 plates.

If there was any doubt that Britain has a genuine appetite for its own fish, Sunday put it to rest. Britain has a reputation for being fussy about fish. We stick to the “Big Five”; cod, haddock, tuna, salmon and prawns, and are known for leaving the more adventurous seafood to our neighbours in Portugal and Spain. However, Sunday 9th August in Brixham said otherwise. Over 2,500 plates of fresh South West sardines were grilled and served on the quay, and sardines were all anyone came to eat. So much for “Fussy Brits”...

Rachel Walker-Boggis, a volunteer on the day, said: "We were handing out sardine tokens for the grills and the number of people who told me they didn't think they liked sardines, then tried them and loved them, was boggling. I'd heard the same from last year and hadn't quite believed it. But person after person told me. It was the best feeling."

Behind the grills in the midday heat: Matt Tebbutt, Mark Hix, Nieves Barragán Mohacho of Sabor, Steven Lamb of River Cottage, Sam White of Fortnum & Mason's 45 Jermyn Street, Jane Baxter, and Mitch and Ben Tonks, alongside a lineup of some of the South West's finest chefs. Live music filled the harbour from midday until 9pm, with street performers and even a chance to visit a mermaid! The Sardine Sessions brought together chefs, young fishermen and other speakers, including the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) for honest conversations about the future of British seafood.

Mitch Tonks, founder of Rockfish and festival founder, said: "Yesterday was everything this festival is about. Thousands of people on the quayside, incredible chefs, and the humble sardine finally getting the celebration it deserves. This festival doesn't happen without a LOT of people chipping in. From every chef who travelled down and fired up a grill, to the bands, the street performers and speakers who brought top-tier entertainment all day. And, finally to our incredible volunteers and all of our sponsors, thank you!”.

Andree Vachelli, festival organiser, said: "This is a festival built on generosity. Chefs travelled from across the country and cooked behind scorching grills in the midday sun for free. Exeter Charcoal donated every bag of fuel. Brixham-born Goya Productions filmed the day. Wine, gin, time, hands, tents - everyone gave what they had. Brixham didn't just host this festival, Brixham made it and that’s what the day was all about."

Now in its second year, the South West Sardine Festival is a collaboration between Rockfish, Sound Seafood and the community of Brixham, with support from Brixham BID, SWISCo, Brixham Trawler Agents and the MSC. It has firmly established itself as one of the South West's most anticipated summer events. The organisers are already looking ahead to 2027 and will soon set a date.