It is a spectacular display of pomp, ceremony and meticulously planned tradition.
Last Friday invited guests sat down in Colchester’s Town Hall to enjoy the traditional Oyster Feast, sampling some of the borough’s famous fare.
Among those enjoying the dinner were Griff Rhys Jones, Pamela Cox and Charles Rangeley-Wilson who all gave speeches to the assembled crowd.
“It went very well,” said mayor Theresa Higgins, who was first to taste the oysters presented by the town serjeant. “There were more than 188 people there which is good.
“The speeches were very good and the oysters were fine.”
Mrs Higgins said she had relatives from France visiting for the event who had come specially for the oysters.
Speaking about the ceremonial aspect to the event she added: “It just gives a dignity to it. It’s up there with mayor making day itself.
“I had lots of comments that it was one of the best they had been to. I’m very proud for the town.”
As well as the oysters themselves another attraction at the feast was the first playing of the Moot Hall organ for more than a decade.
The instrument has recently undergone a restoration and was played on the day by the borough’s organist Ian Ray.
More musical accompaniment was provided by The Colne Endeavour Band and Vanessa Knight, the mayor’s daughter.
Amongst the remainder of the guests were The Lord Lieutenant Lord Petre and the Bishop of Colchester, the Rt Rev Roger Morris.
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