Dignitaries and guests filled Colchester’s Moot Hall yesterday to take part in an annual civic ceremony dating back more than 150 years.

East Anglian Daily Times: The Town Watch welcome guest to the Colchester Oyster Feast 2013The Town Watch welcome guest to the Colchester Oyster Feast 2013 (Image: Archant)

Since its birth in 1845, the Oyster Feast has celebrated Colchester’s rich heritage and sense of community and is now a major part of the town’s tradition.

This year, the mayor and mayoress of Colchester, Colin and Laura Sykes, were joined by special guest speakers Vicky Reaveley from Guide Dogs, headteacher of Stanway School Jonathan Tippett and director of Colchester Zoo Anthony Tropeano.

The Town Watch greeted guests as they arrived and in time-honoured tradition the mayor joined guests in sampling the Borough’s famous oysters.

Among the invited guests was the Essex High Sheriff Julia Abel-Smith, whose ancestor was the founder of the Oyster Feast, and the Bishop of Chelmsford, the Rt Rev Stephen Cotterill.

The diners enjoyed a feast of five courses including a serving of Colchester Pudding - the town’s ancient sweet made from semolina custard, fresh fruit and meringue.

Mr Sykes said: “This is a fantastic event in Colchester’s calendar. It is such a privilege to be part of such an historic tradition and we hope that our guests had a wonderful time.”