The Lobster Ball & North East Oyster Festival are two of the North East's most glamorous social events, held at Hardwick Hall Hotel.
Known for their superb food, flowing Champagne, and world-class entertainment, these iconic celebrations have raised more than £2.5 million for local charities. From the black-tie elegance of the Lobster Ball, where guests dine on lobster and fillet steak before dancing to pop icons like Heather Small and Sister Sledge, to the renowned Oyster Festival, where fresh seafood and Champagne meet live performances from the likes of Rick Astley and Tony Hadley, both events promise an experience that celebrates the very best of the North East whilst raising vital funds.
The Oyster Festival
Welcome to the North East Oyster Festival – a celebration of fine food, flowing wine and first-class entertainment. Now one of the most anticipated events on the North East calendar, this superb celebration is planning its 23rd annual event.
Guests are welcomed with a Champagne reception, a tremendous 3-course Fruit De Mer menu and live performances from world-class entertainers, all while raising vital funds for local charities.
The perfect blend of glamour, gastronomy and giving back – an event not to be missed!
“It’s like a day at the races without the horses”
This years event
25th September 2026
The 2026 Oyster Festival is set to return on Friday 25th September 2026 in the Grand Marquee at Hardwick Hall Hotel. Expect a spectacular day filled with superb seafood, first-class entertainment, free-flowing wine, lager & Guinness – all hosted by North East compere Steve Walls.
Our headliners will be announced soon, but you can also expect to see live performances from Emerald Thieves, JJ Galway band, Brandon Block and Kelly Hendry School of Irish Dance.
Guests will enjoy:
- Champagne on arrival
- A three-course fruits de mer menu
- Fresh oyster stalls
- Complimentary beer, lager and wine throughout the day
- Live performances from a star-studded line-up including the legendary JJ Galway Band and DJ Brandon Block. Keep an eye out for our headliner announcement soon!
The event runs from 11.30am – 6pm, with only a handful of tables available.
It’s certain to be another sparkling celebration, whilst raising vital funds for a worthy cause (to be announced soon)
The Lobster Festival
Welcome to the North East Lobster Festival – a glamorous evening at Hardwick Hall Hotel with fine dining, fashion and first-class entertainment.
Guests are welcomed with a Champagne reception, a Lobster & Fillet Steak dinner, and live performances from world-class entertainers, all while raising vital funds for local charities.
This years event
15th May 2026
Welcome to the Lobster Charity Ball, returning on Friday 15th May 2026. A glamorous evening at Hardwick Hall Hotel with fine dining, fashion and first-class entertainment.
Guests are welcomed with a Champagne reception, a three-course Lobster & Fillet Steak dinner, and live performances from Heather Small, Sally & The Mustangs and DJ Keith Martin!
A sparkling evening with superb food, free-flowing wine, lager & Guinness – all hosted by North East compere Steve Walls.
Guests are welcomed with a Champagne reception, a three-course Lobster & Fillet Steak dinner, and live performances from Heather Small, Sally & The Mustangs and DJ Keith Martin!
A sparkling evening with superb food, free-flowing wine, lager & Guinness – all hosted by North East compere Steve Walls.
Guests will enjoy:
- Champagne on arrival
- A three-course dinner
- Complimentary beer, lager and wine throughout the day
- Live performances from a Heather Small, Sally & The Mustangs and DJ Keith Martin
The event runs from 7pm – 12.30am, with only a handful of tables available.
It’s certain to be a spectacular evening, filled with fine food and drinks whilst raising vital funds for a worthy charity (to be announced soon).
Enquire
For table bookings please fill in the form below.