PREPARATIONS are underway for Colchester’s annual Oyster Feast as the event moves away from Moot Hall for the first time in more than a century.
The ceremonial occasion, which has been held since 1845, is a major event in the civic calendar and normally takes place on the final Friday of October.
Although the timing of the event will not break with tradition, with the Oyster Feast taking place next Friday, the venue will be an unfamiliar one for many guests.
This year, the Oyster Feast will take place at Dedham’s Talbooth Restaurant, which features in in the Michelin Guide.
As well as hosting members of Colchester Council, the Oyster Feast – which has been held annually at Moot Hall since 1906 – will invite guests from Colchester’s twin towns, Avignon, Wetzler, and Imola.
Also invited to the annual feast are the lord lieutenant of Essex Jennifer Tolhurst, the high sheriff of Essex Charles Bishop, High Steward of Colchester Sir Bob Russell, and garrison commander lieutenant colonel Ed Rankin.
The Wivenhoe Hoolies Shanty Crew and The Elite Quartet will provide the background for the feast, with guest speakers including Harwich MP Sir Bernard Jenkin, crown court judge and novelist Charles Gratwicke, and BBC Essex broadcaster Sadie Nine.
Previous guests to the Oyster Feast have been particularly grand, with Edward VIII, George VI having attended, as well as prime ministers Winston Churchill and Lloyd George.
Leading dignitary this year, however, will be mayor of Colchester John Jowers, who for decades was a Mersea fisherman.
He said: “This year's Colchester Oyster Feast is a celebration of our city’s rich heritage, its vibrant community, and its world-renowned oysters.
“We are delighted to welcome our guests to the Talbooth restaurant in Dedham, a prestigious venue that reflects the quality of the event itself.
“We are also excited to announce our special guest speakers, Bernard Jenkin MP, His Honour Judge Charles Gratwicke and Sadie Nine.
“Each of them brings a unique perspective to our local area, and we are sure they will provide our guests with informative and entertaining commentary on a range of topics.
“We look forward to raising a glass to Colchester's finest oysters on Friday, 27 October, and to celebrating the very best of our city.”
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