A fine tradition or old hat?

Colchester's Oyster Feast has been an annual event for centuries.

Top politicians and stars of stage and screen have graced Colchester Town Hall for the feast to celebrate the town's links to the oyster industry.

But is it time the historic event was revamped to attract the younger generation?

The line-up today is full of famous names, eager to sample the borough's finest Pyefleet oysters.

Among them are former Speaker of the House of Commons, Betty Boothroyd, writer and broadcaster, Richard Spendlove, and the High Sheriff of Essex, George Courtauld.

Colchester Labour Party has traditionally hosted an alternative feast for pensioners in the town, serving them with a roast lunch.

In the past, the historic feast has been a great success, but some Colchester people feel there is room for improvement, even though it has been around since the 14th century.

Helen Todd, 34, who is staying with her parents in Lexden, said: "I would not go but it's good for other folk. It's nice to have a tradition but if they wanted to appeal to youngsters they could have some kind of music festival with it."

Andrew Mason, 39, of Monkwick, Colchester, agreed and said the council could do more to attract young people.

He said: "It should be more open to youngsters, but at the end of the day it's a tradition."

But most people asked on Colchester High Street felt it would be a shame to axe the tradition.

Maria Monks, 55, of Essex Hall Road, Colchester, an American who has recently moved to the town, said: "I think it sounds lovely, really enchanting.

"If it was just played up a bit more, it might bring more tourists into the town. It's what makes England, England."

Pamela Gascoyne, 62, of Colne Bank Avenue, Colchester, said: "It's a tradition of Colchester and it would be a great shame to see it abolished."

Alexandra Worrell, 28, of High Woods, Colchester, said: "I've lived here three years and I've never heard of it but we would probably go."

Mike Woolnough from Marks Tey, Colchester, said: "Provided it doesn't cost a huge amount of money I do not see why it shouldn't continue.

"If we do away with old traditions, then we'll have none left."

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.