AN historic civic event to celebrate Colchester’s famous oysters saw more than 200 people turn out. 

Dating back to 1845, Colchester’s traditional oyster feast sees hundreds of guests gather at Colchester Town Hall.

And, on Friday, dignitaries finally enjoyed the banquet featuring fresh oysters, dredged from Colne Oyster Fisheries, as well as listening to words from guest speakers.

They were welcomed to the town hall to the sound of live marimba music.

Armed guards from the Town Watch stood to attention, greeting guests, as the Pantasy Steel Band played people into the town hall.

The event is traditionally one of the biggest and most significant in Colchester’s civic calendar, attracting the borough’s most esteemed faces each year.

Among the invited guests were representatives from Colchester’s twinned towns, Wetzler and Imola; the Lord Lieutenant of Essex, Jennifer Tolhurst and Garrison Commander Lieutennant Colonel Ed Rankin.

Mayor Tim Young was joined by three special guest speakers including Chris Bryant the MP for the Rhondda, in South Wales.

Also in attendance was Rakie Ayola, the BAFTA Award-winning actor currently starring in BBC1’s The Pact and poet and performer John Hegley.

Mr Young said: “This event symbolises how our oysters have been famed since Roman times, only recently being classed as a delicacy.

“It’s fantastic to see how the event has evolved into one of the biggest civic events of the year.

On his favourite part of the event, Mr Young said: “Having quality guest speakers always makes for great entertainment, this year we have three brilliant guest speakers.

“The fantastic food and music throughout the day are also highlights.

“It is of vital importance to honour these traditions, Colchester has a rich history and a lot of heritage.

“I immensely enjoy this event, it is something I look forward to every year, it is a real privilege to host it.”

A member of the public, who paid the £98 fee to enter the event, said: “It is a fantastic day out for all, it’s a great tradition and a wonderful thing to dress up for.”

The food was provided by Milsom Catering, with live music played by The Wild Arts Quartet during the feast, and Black Elvis afterwards.