Festival must get back to its roots, says Thorne

Opposition Leader Ralph Thorne has called for changes to the Flow Oistins Fish Festival, to recapture the distinctive flair and community-rooted identity for which the event was once known.

Speaking to the media during a walk-through of the festival alongside party members on Monday, Thorne suggested that the festival should reinstate some of the features that once gave it its street festival atmosphere.

“They probably need to close the street again, create a mall-like environment where people feel free to sit, relax, drink, and enjoy themselves,” he said. “Put out some chairs and umbrellas in the road—make it welcoming.”

Thorne’s comments came amid mixed public and vendor reviews of the 2025 staging of the festival, which organisers have declared a success, citing strong attendance for marquee activities and a record number of vendors.

The opposition leader also suggested that this year’s edition may have suffered from competition with other events on the Easter weekend calendar, including government-backed activities and high-profile music shows.

“I wouldn’t say it was unfair competition, but they’ve had a lot to contend with,” he said. “The government had a little thing in St Joseph, though I’m not sure how much competition that offered—it didn’t draw a lot of people either.”

He said that, competition aside, the festival needs to reassess its identity and its connection to the Oistins community. “The organisers need to sit down and discuss a new identity for the festival. It has to be rooted in the community again.”

“I spoke to one of the vendors just now, and he felt there should be a mini carnival for children. Others mentioned the absence of the police tattoo,” Thorne said.

He also cited a lack of academic influence in this year’s planning, suggesting the recent loss of a number of historians as a possible reason. “We lost Trevor Marshall, who brought a depth of historical insight to the festival,” he said. “In fact, we’ve lost three historians in just a few months—it’s tragic. That academic voice is missing, and the festival needs it.” 

(SZB)