The festival was established in 2011 in order to raise awareness of the fishing industry in Cardigan Bay and to help to celebrate and promote locally sourced food and drink.

The model was created by Cardigan-based Small World Theatre who took on the project as part of Wales’ celebration of the Year of the Sea.

[6][7] The monster is inspired by Swiss naturalist Conrad Gesner who published Historia Animalium, a book written in the 1500s with illustrations of sea creatures.

The festival was started by Aberystwyth Sea Anglers, Cardigan Bay Fisherman’s Association, Communities First and Food Centre Wales.

The grass roots nature of the festival means that it is guided by the local community and enables visitors to engage directly with fishermen, lifeboat crews, surf lifesavers, and rowers.