Colchester's famous Oyster Feast is set to bring a host of special guests to the town hall.

The traditional annual event on Friday is one of the most iconic in Colchester’s civic calendar.

This year, mayor Peter Chillingworth will be joined in the Moot Hall by his guest speakers.

Marine wildlife expert Tim Glover is one of the speakers.

Mr Glover is a businessman with a background in television media, but went on to form Fish2fork, a sustainable seafood rating website.

He is a keen sailor and angler and has a wealth of knowledge relating to the man-made threats to fish populations across the UK - one of the big challenges oysters face.

Cadet warrant officer Emilia Jones, of 1483 Brentwood Squadron, is also set to speak to guests about her role working with talented young air cadets across Essex.

Colchester Art Centre director and Gazette columnist Anthony Roberts is sure to bring a touch of humour to proceedings.

David E Barker, the former chairman of Suffolk Creating the Greenest County, will be the fourth speaker presenting a talk about farming and wildlife.

The traditional feast has its roots back in St Dennis Fair in the 14th century.

It was revived in 1845 by the then mayor Henry Wolton, who was a great traditionalist.

The feast to celebrate Colchester’s famous oysters has attracted many famous guests over the years, including former prime ministers Winston Churchill and David Lloyd George, inventor Heath Robinson and even foreign royalty such as the Sultan of Zanzibar.

An alternative Oyster Feast will also be held on Friday at Greenstead Social Club in Colchester.

The alternative feast, which is run by the Labour party and unions, will serve up a fish and chip lunch to 120 pensioners accompanied by musical entertainment.