Ancient ceremony marks the annual opening of Colchester’s Oyster Fisheries
An ancient tongue twister was read out
An Essex city hosted their annual, traditional ceremony to mark the beginning of Oyster season today.
Today marks the ceremonial opening of the Colne Oyster Fisheries – one of Colchester’s oldest and most celebrated traditions – which took place in the waters off Mersea.
The tradition, which dates to 1540, sees the Mayor, the Town Serjeant and, this year, Colchester Borough Council’s Deputy Chief Executive don full regalia to play key roles in a ceremony to mark the lifting of the first oysters of the season.
The ceremony consists of the Proclamation, an ancient tongue-twister, which was read by Deputy Chief Executive Dan Gascoyne to officially declare the fisheries open for the season.
Watch: the Proclamation
This was followed by the Mayor, Councillor Tim Young, who raised a toast to Her Majesty The Queen, which was accompanied by drinking gin and eating gingerbread.
Before the ceremony, a letter is sent to The Queen, which states: “According to ancient Custom and Charter dating back to Norman times, the mayor and councillors of the Colchester City Council will formally proclaim the Opening of the Colne Oyster Fishery for the coming season and will drink to your Majesty's long life and health and request respectfully to offer to your Majesty their expressions of dutiful loyalty and devotion.”
The Queen has been known to return her thanks to the mayor and councillors for their good wishes.
Watch: The Mayor of Colchester, Cllr Tim Young talks to GHR Essex
The Mayor of Colchester, Cllr Tim Young, said: “In a fast-paced world, it’s reassuring to think our renowned Colchester Native Oysters, so revered by the Romans 2,000 years ago, are able to provide a continuity with the past and an occasion to celebrate the rich and diverse history of our city.
“The Oyster Fisheries ceremony is an ancient and much-loved tradition for Colchester – a unique and wonderful event to celebrate and enjoy the start of the oyster harvest."