Now you can actually have your plate and eat it!

The latest food and festival to come to town will see just 80 entrants face a number of foods and drinks, all of which are specific to Colchester.

And if there is still some room left at the end of the meal, guests will - literally - be able to eat their plate.

The Colchester Medieval Feast takes place on November 23 in Colchester Arts Centre and will also be raising money for Colchester-based national charity, Lepra.

Organiser Don Quin, who also runs the Colchester Food and Drink Festival, Colchester Oyster Festival and the Colchester Invasion 1648, said: “This is one of our most exciting festivals yet.

“It’s not just any old feast for charity - the menu certainly offers something different.

“This is all about raising money for Lepra a national charity with its HQ in Colchester.

“The disease was endemic in medieval times in Colchester and the rest of the UK. We have killed it off here and Lepra wants to do the same world wide.”

The unique menu was devised by food historian Mr Quinn, who said it is “uniquely Colcestrian and Medieval”.

Starters include:

n Oysters, smoked mackerel and smoked salmon;

n Salats (salad) seasonal and fresh. dry cured ham;

n Baked bread;

Followed by:

n Roasted hog;

n Eggy Tarts;

n Roasted fowl; and

n salads, peas pudding and baked roots.

Desserts include:

n Colchester pudding, prepared by Green Rooms Restaurant

n Colchester biscuit and Marchpane (marzipan) fancies

To wash the meal down, Colchester Cordial, with gin and spices, and non-alcoholic spiced ginger cordial will be on offer alongside measures of Colchester Steaming Bishop, a hot, alcoholic drink with cream and spices served from a witch’s cauldron, or a spiced non-alcoholic cordial, named Steaming Vicar.

Every ingredient is sourced locally and the grub will be served on a bread ‘trencher’ - taken from historic ‘trencher men’ who were applauded for their big appetite - which is edible.

Twelve-strong Medieval group Colchester Waits will provide a soundtrack to the evening and there will also be a bar with real ales and a selection of soft drinks, wines and spirits. Vegan options will also available as long as notice is given.

Tickets cost £35 per person and can be bought from foodanddrinkfestivalsuk.co.uk.

MEDIEVAL FEAST

Giving you a great time and raising money for LEPRA

23rd November

7.30 for 8pm.

A licensed bar is available with real ales and a full selection of soft drinks, wines and spirits.

Vegan option available if notice given.