The crafty crustacean show

Oysters, let's face it, are curious beasts. Few other species on God's lovely earth can claim to be an encouragement to hot bedroom antics, a classic accompaniment to champagne, and a living, breathing jewel case, all rolled into one. Nor can any other species match the oyster's most impressive party trick - being able to change sex according to the season, thus ensuring oyster breeding keeps ticking over at a rapid old rate.

Actually, not all oysters can pull off this show-stopping feat. If we're being specific, it's only the crafty crustacean known as ostrea edulis who is capable of 'rhythmical hermaphroditism,' going male or female depending on seasonal water temperature. But either way, oysters are pretty cool. And a totally appropriate creature for dedicating a London food festival to?

That particular event is the Oyster and Seafood Fair, taking place at the Hay's Galleria on Friday, Saturday and Sunday this week. An annual event dedicated to all things fishy, the fair will also provide a showcase for everything from mussels to smoked salmon, to prawns, lobsters and crabs, with plenty of stalls and tastings to keep the public happy.

The oyster gets star billing on Friday with a lunchtime tasting event, from 1pm-2pm. Of course, anyone sneaking out of the office to join in may find themselves pondering the conundrum once mooted by Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver's Travels, when he said: "T'was a brave man that first tasted an oyster." He had a point. You do have to wonder who first picked up the unappealing-looking crustacean, decided to open it, and then thought that gulping down the mess of sea gloop inside was going to be a top idea.

Whoever it was, spare a thought for them when Friday's taster takes place to mark the start of the UK oyster season (September 1). Food lovers will be able to slurp down a selection of oysters from all over the UK, as well as the French take on the fabulous sea-dwellers, helped by seafood experts to make sure you don't drop juices all down your front. You do have to go back to work afterwards, you know.

Of course, you may not like oysters. You may be the picky sort who thinks a pearl-producing, champagne-accompanying tasty seafood snack is not that impressive. In which case, Saturday's Prawn Peeling Challenge may be more your thing. Starting at 4.30pm, members of the public will be able to take on representatives of the National Federation of Fishmongers, to see who can whip the shells off a pile of prawns the quickest. Your prize? The chance to munch a few prawns, and have stinky fingers for the next two or three days. Oh no, don't be put off. Go on, it'll be fun?

The annual Oyster and Seafood Fair is open Friday 1 September (11am-7pm), Saturday 2 September (11am-7pm) and Sunday 3 September (11am-6pm) at Hay's Galleria, London Bridge City, Tooley Street, London, SE1 (020 7940 7770). Nearest tube station London Bridge. For further details see www.haysgalleria.co.uk . Admission free.