One of the things I love most about the West Coast is that the area offers enough distance from Cape Town to hit the road and take a road trip – but not so far that it can’t also be just a day trip. And a day trip is exactly what I set out for when I headed out of town at 7.30am on a bright sunny Saturday to experience the Paternoster Seafood Festival.

Bouyed by the crisp morning air and the open road, I cruised up the R27 to meet my family at the Paternoster Seafood Festival, looking forward to a day of good food and entertainment. Never having been to such a festival before I wasn’t quite sure what else to expect but, with armed with a hearty appetite, I felt certain that at least one aspect would be very satisfying.

As we had arrived early enough, we were able to snag a table in the beer garden and that proved a very good thing indeed. Not only did it offer a great view of the ocean and the entertainment area, but it also gave us a base from which to explore and a place to rest weary feet.

And explore I did – there was an incredible assortment of stalls selling everything from home-made preserves and bakes to crafts and trinkets and, of course, delectable food. The aromas were enticing and it was difficult to decide just what to eat as we were quite literally led by the nose from stall to stall. On offer was everything from snoek and seafood poitjiekos to lamb on a spit and, of course delicious fresh crayfish.

Entertainment included a breath-taking flying demonstration by the popular Silver Falcons, horse rides on the beach, kayaking and beach buggy rides. A wickedly funny compére led the day’s entertainment which included live music by local artists such as Armand Hofmeyr, Jennifer Zamudio, Wynand Windpomp, Amore Rudman, Young Stars, Steenberg Cove Rieldansers and the Sidewalk Band.

There was also a supervised kiddies entertainment area where youngsters were happily engrossed in activities like drawing while others enjoyed the jumping castle with wild abandon. And there was also apparently a MTB challenge and a fun run through Cape Columbine Nature Reserve – which were all more than a bit too energetic for me.

All I can say is – what an awesome day – and way beyond any expectations. Hundreds of happy people enjoying the warm sun and great atmosphere, browsing stalls, strolling on the beach and tucking into plates piled high with fresh seafood. When my family and I eventually left, our parting words were a promise to repeat the experience next year.