Colchester's oyster feast to be attended by actress and MPs

Rakie Ayola, from BBC1’s The Pact, will be joined as a guest speaker at next Friday’s event by Rhondda MP Chris Bryant and poet and performer John Hegley.

The grand civic ceremony which attracts Colchester’s big wigs will then bow out in unconventional fashion with a performance from Presley tribute act Black Elvis.

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.

It features a meal, afternoon entertainment and special guest speakers… all at a cost of £98 per ticket.

Traditional event - the grand civic ceremony is held in the Town Hall (Image: Newsquest)

Mayor and mayoress of Colchester, Tim Young and Nicola Goodchild, said hosting the event in the Town Hall is a “great honour”.

They will be joined by the Lord Lieutenant of Essex Jennifer Tolhurst, Colchester High Steward Sir Bob Russell and Commonwealth Games medal winning boxer Lewis Richardson.

Garrison Commander Lt Col Ed Rankin, Harwich and North Essex MP Sir Bernard Jenkin and High Sheriff of Essex Nick Alston are some of the other recognised faces on the attendee list.

Also among the mayor and mayoress’ invited guests are representatives from Colchester’s twin towns, Wetzler and Imola.

In time-honoured custom, the mayor will join those at the feast in sampling the borough’s revered oysters.

Well-attended - Colchester Arts Centre's Anthony Roberts (Image: Newsquest)

The Town Watch will greet those arriving who will also be treated to the sounds of the Pantasy Steel Band outside the Town Hall, The Wild Arts Quartet during the Feast, and Black Elvis afterwards.

A joint statement from Mr Young and Ms Goodchild said: “It is our great honour to be hosting this year’s Oyster Feast, which we look forward to sharing with our invited guests in celebration of the best of Colchester.

“We are also delighted to welcome this year’s special guest speakers.

“We are sure they will be entertaining, informative and challenging in almost equal measure and certainly chime with our mayoral theme for the year: Celebrating Diversity – Challenging Prejudice.”