Colchester's oyster fisheries opened with ancient ceremony

The opening of Colne Oyster Fisheries is one of Colchester borough's oldest and most celebrated ceremonies.

The tradition, which dates back to 1540, saw the Mayor, Town Serjeant, High Steward and deputy chief executive don full regalia as they marked the lifting of the first oysters of the season.

They took to the waters off Mersea on Friday to open the fisheries.

Tom Haward, of Richard Haward's Oysters (Image: Newsquest)

It was formally witnessed by special guests, who then enjoyed a three-course lunch, including oysters, on the sailing barge The Hydrogen.

The boat set sail from Brightlingsea to Pyefleet Creek with its civic dignitaries on board.

The Proclamation, an ancient tongue-twister, was read by deputy chief executive Dan Gascoyne to officially declare the fisheries open for the season.

Mayor Tim Young, then raised the loyal toast to The Queen, which was accompanied by drinking gin and eating gingerbread.

The Queen usually returns her thanks to the mayor and councillors for their good wishes.

Tim Young, Colchester Mayor, with Mersea Mayor Carl Powling

Mr Young said: "Today’s ceremony was a wonderful occasion – a moment to celebrate and enjoy the start of the time-honoured oyster harvest. Once again, we enjoyed the first haul of the season, before toasting Her Majesty The Queen.

“Oysters and the oyster fisheries are a much-loved tradition for Colchester dating back nearly 2000 years, so I was both honoured and delighted to be part of this year’s ceremony.

“The Mayoress and I are really looking forward to furthering our celebration of Colchester oysters, in the autumn, when we will be launching the first ever week-long Colchester Oyster Festival.

“In partnership with Colchester BID, Haywards' Oysters and several local restaurants and businesses, the Oyster Festival will begin on Saturday 22 October, the same weekend as the Colchester Fringe Festival.”