COLCHESTER'S medieval festival made its city comeback at the weekend, albeit with the absence of a familiar flavour.

The event has run alongside Colchester's oyster fair in Lower Castle Park for 20 years, with Middle Ages enthusiasts turning up in their droves to soak up the ancient atmosphere.

But the oysterman who supplies the festival faced an awkward phone call on Friday when he realised he'd run out of oysters just hours before the event kicked off.

The festival, fair and market typically combines entertainment and history with an oyster-themed flavour, but there was no sour taste left in the mouths of the thousands who turned out.

Organiser Donn Quinn said he was "incredibly sad" about the absence of the oysters, but stated the event still never fails to amaze him.

He said: "For some reason or other they weren't available but that's the end of that. We've worked with that company for 20 odd years and they've never let us down."

Entertainment on the day included one of the last standing Mummers plays in the country, puppeteers, birds of prey, sword fighting and storytelling.

A combat ring allowed armed fighters to display their skill while archers tested their aim in the ranges.

Traditional medieval style food and drink was also available to sample, including wild boar and venison.

Mr Quinn added: "This festival has got a very big national presence because it's so unique, we're keeping some fantastic traditions alive.

"We specialize in doing stuff where children can enjoy themselves and become immersed within it how often do you see a donkey ride in Castle Park?

"If you want to bring people into Colchester and want to make the area buzz then events like this are crucial.

"This event alone will bring in something like 10,000 people. With a city like Colchester, with its shops declining, unless you give someone another reason to come here then they won't come, simple.

"This year has been probably the toughest year ever to organise but it's worth it when you see so many people enjoying it."