Historic Colchester Oyster Feast returns to Moot Hall for 2025 celebration
The event was first held in 1845
Colchester's Oyster Feast will today be returning to Moot Hall.
The event, first held in 1845, celebrates the city's heritage and community.
The Mayor will join guests, tourists, and locals to sample the famous oysters from nearby Mersea.
Guests for this year's event include musician and writer Martin Newell, pantomime dame Antony Stuart-Hicks, and Anthony Roberts, the director at Colchester Arts Centre.
Michael Lilley, Mayor of Colchester, told us that the event is an important part of the city's heritage, and that the tourism brought in does benefit the local economy.
"It's a traditional feast, and is now back in the Moot Hall of Colchester Town Hall.
"The oyster is famous to Colchester. The Romans discovered it when they landed in Mersea, and they were great fans of it.
"We've got people who will enjoy a five course meal, including oysters, and wines specially bought in from the local area.
"It's a great tradition and I'm really looking forward to it, my first and last time as Mayor."
He said that it is "extremely important" for bringing in tourists.
"It brings people into the city centre, they stay in a hotel overnight, and go shopping the next morning.
"That leads then into visiting the castle, visiting the Natural History Museum, or the ancient Priory.
"We love history and the Oyster Feast is a major part of that."
"I really am looking forward to it."