COLCHESTER’S famous oyster feast will return once again later this month as the great and the good gather for one of the city’s ancient traditions.

Dating back to 1845, the oyster feast is part of celebrating Colchester’s heritage, with even the Romans having grown the shellfish thousands of years ago.

Oysters are still grown and exported by Oyster farmers in Mersea Island, and a ceremony for then opening of the Colne fisheries is also an annual event, where a proclamation is read and a toast is raised to the monarch.

The oyster feast is an altogether different event, and features a meal, afternoon entertainment, as well as special guest speakers, who have yet to be confirmed.

Tickets cost £98, and Colchester Mayor Tim Young has invited residents to join him alongside Mayoress Nicol Goodchild for the historic event.

However, residents can also enter their name in a ballot by emailing their name, address and phone number to mayor@colchester.gov.uk.

The mayor and mayoress said: “We are so delighted and excited to be hosting this year’s Oyster Feast, which will be a wonderful occasion to celebrate the borough’s rich heritage and diverse culture.”

Applications for the ballot are open until Monday, October 10.