People are gathering in Whitianga today for one of New Zealand most popular annual seafood events, the Whitianga Scallop Festival.

This year's event will see 60 cuisine stands turning out mouth-watering dishes.

An array of seafood will be on offer at the Scallop Festival in Whitianga today.

Seafood cooking demonstrations from the likes of Ray McVinnie, Julie Biuso and Josh Emmet will give the crowds tips on how to prepare seafood.

Entertainment from New Zealand performers will also keep the crowd entertained.

All up eight acts will perform at the festival today, ranging in style from gun guitarist Kara Gordon, who has been described as 'the white Hendrix”, to the boisterous music of Waikato's The Great Brain Robbers.

One of the festival's most experienced artists, travelling from Hamilton for the second year in a row is singer and guitarist Tim Armstrong.

Tim is already a favourite in Whitianga, having played regularly at Smitty's Bar, and is excited to be back at this year's festival.

'I travel round a lot and always have fun but the Scallop Festival is one of my favourite events,” he says.

'I love to be at places where people really want to have a good time and the Festival brings out the best in everyone. Maybe it's the chance to eat all those scallops.”