Photo credit: Calum Stuart @calums_pictures

North East’s largest seafood festival SeaFest Peterhead announces 2025 return

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The seafood festival, which attracted around 10,000 people to its inaugural event, will return to Aberdeenshire this summer.

SeaFest Peterhead has almost doubled its footprint this year, taking place across a larger area at Seagate, Peterhead Harbour from 11am to 4pm on Saturday September 13, 2025.

The award-winning family-friendly event was first held in 2023 and champions Aberdeenshire’s important seafood industry. Peterhead is home to Europe’s biggest whitefish port, while neighbouring town Fraserburgh is the major shellfish port in Scotland.

To keep little ones entertained on the day, a series of free activities including face painting, Emma’s Pet Fair, ARC cinema giveaways, a sticker trail and the chance to meet water rescue dogs Yogi and Cindy Bears, plus more will be available.

This year a seafood village has been created to further celebrate the local seafood industry, and quality chef demonstrations will be spearheaded by the team at ESS where festivalgoers will be able to watch and pick up tips from some of the region’s top talent. Marine Stewardship Council will also have a segment on the cookery stage.

Attendees can expect the return of festival favourites, trawler Favonius, which will sell its freshly caught seafood on Birnie’s Pier. The crews of the Forever Faithful and Budding Rose will also demonstrate the skills required to work on a trawler, and there will be a wheelhouse simulator to put your skipper talents to the test.

For those looking for a bite to eat and the chance to purchase locally made wares, 60 plus vendors will form the producer’s market showcasing local flavours and craftsmanship. Street food trucks will serve up both hot and cold options.

SeaFest Peterhead – credit Fat Man Skinny

A festival-first, boat tours will be provided by Intermara and will leave from The Blue Light Zone on Ice Factory Pier, sponsored by Scottish Power Renewables. The emergency services will also showcase vehicles and festivalgoers will get the chance to explore RNLI lifeboats on the pontoon.

Headline sponsors include event hosts, Peterhead Port Authority, and industry body, Seafood Scotland.

Chairman and local businessman, Jimmy Buchan, said the event couldn’t have gone ahead without the support of the festival’s growing list of sponsors and supporters.

“SeaFest Peterhead is a not-for-profit community event that provides an insight into the seafood industry, which is vital to the region and our communities, but is also a great day out for all ages.

“We want to educate more people about Scottish seafood while providing an entertaining, fun environment to do so.

“This industry is so important to the north-east, and to Scotland, and we are grateful to all of our sponsors, supporters and volunteers for their help, whom without, we couldn’t put on SeaFest Peterhead.”

The event’s location makes it one of the most coastal celebrations across Scotland. This is thanks to the Peterhead Port Authority’s continued support.

Jimmy Buchan, chairman of SeaFest Peterhead with CEO of Peterhead Port Auhtority, Graeme Reid (Photo credit: SeaFest)

CEO, Graeme Reid, added: “Peterhead Port Authority is proud to support the return of SeaFest Peterhead in 2025. As the custodians of Europe’s largest whitefish port, we see first-hand the dedication and skill that drives our seafood industry every day. SeaFest is a fantastic opportunity to open our harbour to the public, celebrate the people behind the industry, and showcase the quality and sustainability of our local seafood.

“This year’s expanded festival footprint and exciting new features reflect the growing enthusiasm for this event, and we’re delighted to play a part in bringing the community together for a day of learning, tasting, and fun. We look forward to welcoming thousands of visitors to the harbour once again this September.”

SeaFest Peterhead is free to attend and has numerous free activities and workshops to enjoy. Attendees are advised to bring both cash and card to purchase goods from vendors.

The Seafood Both (Photo credit: Fat Man Skinny)

A local park and ride operation is currently in the works for the event.

The event is solely organised by a small team of volunteers who are passionate about supporting to the local area and its businesses.

The full list of sponsors and exhibitors attending SeaFest Peterhead can be found at www.seafest.co.uk.

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