The first of the new season’s Mersea oysters were delivered to Colchester in style at the weekend.
A boat full of actors dressed as Roman soldiers arrived by boat in the town’s Castle Park before presenting them to Mayor Colin Sykes. The ceremony signalled the start of this year’s Colchester Oyster Festival, an annual event which celebrates the town’s most famous culinary product.
Organiser Don Quinn said: ”Every year we try and bring the oysters to the festival in a different way. In the past we have brought them by horse and even bike. This year the whole event linked with Colchester’s other claim to fame - its association with the Romans.”
Other activities that tied in with the Roman theme were staged gladiator fights and a temporary Roman encampment.
A pie-eating competition also took place as did a first public tasting of new recipe for Colchester Pudding - a dish made from tapioca and stewed fruit - which has been devised by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver and local star Jimmy Doherty.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here