The much-loved Whitianga Oceans Festivals is back, after two years of cancellations.

Formerly known as the Whitiange Scallop Festival, it was cancelled in 2022 due to Covid restrictions.

The 2021 festival was canned just two weeks out due to Covid-19 lockdowns.

This year's festival is all about enjoying great seafood, beverages and music in a beautiful waterside setting in Whitianga, says a Facebook post from the organisers.

'Gather your mates and join us on Saturday, September 9, for one of New Zealand's iconic seafood/kaimoana celebrations.

'The festival will bring together an amazing selection of food, beverages, live music and entertainment!”

The festival is famous for its inventive stallholders who each year, come up with fresh new recipes as they try to outdo each other to gain the coveted title of Best Dish.”

Just to get you salivating, some dishes this year includes scallop and bacon fritters, scallops sautéed in garlic butter and white wine, and tempura scallops with dill, lime and coriander dipping sauce.

Visit www.oceansfestival.co.nz for more information.