AN annual tradition dating back more than 400 years is set to return to the north Essex coast.

This year’s opening of Colchester’s Oyster Fisheries will take place on Friday with a ceremony on the waters off Mersea.

The sailing barge The Hydrogen will set sail from Brightlingsea, carrying civic dignitaries including Colchester’s mayor and deputy mayor and representatives from the Cinque Port Liberty of Brightlingsea.

It’s particularly poignant for this year’s mayor John Jowers, a former Mersea fisherman who knows the waters well.

He said: “It's a great honour to be part of this historic ceremony. I'm looking forward to raising a toast to His Majesty The King and enjoying some of the delicious Colchester Native Oysters.”

The Proclamation, an ancient tongue-twister, will be read by Colchester Council’s chief executive Pam Donnelly to officially declare the fisheries open for the season.

The mayor will then raise the loyal toast to King Charles III, which is accompanied by drinking gin and eating gingerbread.

The long-standing tradition dates back to 1540 and sees council officials don full regalia to mark the lifting of the first oysters of the season.

High Steward of Colchester Sir Bob Russell, as well as the mayor of Brightlingsea, will also attend.