Its the time of year again when slurping in public is perfectly acceptable. If the snack in question is of the bivalve mollusc variety, that is.

This years Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival, which takes place between 2 and 11 July, promises to supply foodies with their fair share of slippery, fresh-from-the-sea critters.

Highlights include the selection of Oyster Hotspots dotted about town, the Oyster Eating Competition and the Pick n Pay Oyster & Wine Mardi Gras. The sporting set will be equally spoilt with adrenaline-fuelled events such as the Pick n Pay Weekend Argus Knysna Cycle Tour and the Pick n Pay Cape Times Knysna Forest Marathon.