The Oyster Feast is the centrepiece of the annual civic calendar in the ancient borough of Colchester located in Essex in the East of England.
The borough of Colchester obtained rights to the fishery under the provisions of its Royal Charter granted by Richard I in 1189.
On the last Friday in October each year, the Mayor of Colchester hosts a grand civic Oyster Feast in the Moot Hall.
The Mayor also invites Colchester citizens who are active in local charities, civic bodies, and good causes.
The modern feast dates to 1845 when it was brought onto the civic calendar by Mayor of Colchester Thomas Wolton.