MigFest 2024 dates revealed

Spurn Bird Observatory Trust (SBOT) and the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) have announced that the 11th Spurn Migration Festival will be held at Spurn Bird Observatory on the East Yorkshire coast from 6-8 September 2024.

The brainchild of two Spurn stalwarts, Martin Garner and Andy Roadhouse, the festival has become one of the most popular events on the birding calendar. With something for everyone, it features everything from guided walks to headline talks by guest speakers. Exhibitors' stalls will offer optics, books, artwork, holidays and bird food among others, while the famous Spurn Ladies will provide delicious and very reasonably priced food throughout.

Once again, this year's festival will host the Martin Garner Spurn Young Birder of the year competition. Open to all young birders up to the age of 16, the winner of the Senior category (14-16 year olds) will receive a brand-new pair of SWAROVSKI OPTIK binoculars, while the winner of the Junior (under 14 years old) category will receive a brand-new pair of Opticron binoculars.

The weekend will feature a variety of walks focusing on bird migration and identification, bats, and plants. Seawatching and vis-migging will no doubt be the highlight for many. There will be bird-ringing demonstrations, photography workshops and art classes run by renowned artist Darren Woodhead.

This year's Andy Roadhouse Memorial Lecture will be given by guest speaker, Nigel Marven. His talk, 'Tales of my Birdwatching Adventures', looks back at encounters Nigel had while filming some of his best-known documentaries.

From its humble beginnings in 2013, the Spurn Migration Festival has continued to grow year on year. With the beauty of Spurn NNR as its backdrop, the festival promises to be a celebration of the natural world and a testament to the vision of its founders.

For further information about the festival, including ticket purchases and a full programme of events, please visit the Spurn Migration Festival website. Prices start from £23 for a day ticket and £65 for a full package. Under 18s day tickets are free.