Colchester’s traditional Oyster Feast returns on Friday, 27 October 2023. But this year, in a break with tradition, the feast will be held at one of Colchester’s most prestigious venues, the Talbooth restaurant in Dedham.
Since it was first held in 1845, the Oyster Feast has celebrated Colchester’s rich heritage and community ties and established itself as a major occasion in the city’s civic calendar. Traditionally held in the Town Hall, the feast has been relocated while extensive structural work in the Moot Hall continues.
This year, the Mayor of Colchester, Cllr John Jowers, and Mayoress Susan Jowers will be joined by three specially invited guest speakers: Bernard Jenkin MP, Member of Parliament for Harwich and North Essex; crown court judge and novelist His Honour Judge Charles Gratwicke LL.D HC, and BBC Essex broadcaster Sadie Nine.
Among the Mayor and Mayoress’s other invited guests are representatives from Colchester’s twin towns, Avignon, Wetzler and Imola, the Lord Lieutenant of Essex Mrs Jennifer Tolhurst, the High Sherriff of Essex Mr Charles Bishop, High Steward of Colchester Sir Bob Russell, and Garrison Commander Lieutenant Colonel Ed Rankin.
The Town Watch will greet arriving guests, who will also be treated to the sounds of the Wivenhoe Hoolies Shanty Crew and The Elite Quartet during the feast.
In time-honoured custom, the mayor will join attendees at the feast in sampling the city’s famous oysters.
The Mayor and Mayoress, 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.”
For more information on civic events in the Mayor’s calendar, visit: www.colchester.gov.uk/mayor
Page last reviewed: 17 October 2023