The Mayor of Colchester, Cllr Andrew Ellis, to raise a loyal toast
The annual opening of the Colne Oyster Fisheries will take place on Friday, 4 September 2026, at the Colchester Oyster Fishery in East Mersea, marking the start of the oyster season in a tradition dating back to 1540.
This year’s ceremony will take place on the Colchester Oyster Fishery’s terrace, offering panoramic views over the Pyefleet Creek. As always, the Mayor of Colchester, Town Serjeant and Colchester City Council’s Chief Executive will don full regalia to witness the lifting of the first oysters of the season.
The Proclamation, an ancient tongue-twister, will be read by Chief Executive Pam Donnelly to officially declare the fisheries open. The Mayor will then raise the loyal toast to His Majesty The King, accompanied by the traditional serving of gin and gingerbread.
Guests, who have purchased tickets, will enjoy a lunchtime offering, with seafood platters and meat and vegetarian alternatives. Attendees will also have the opportunity to join Managing Director Paul Harding for guided tours of the Fishery, learning about its history and its role in the ceremony for more than a century.
The Mayor of Colchester, Cllr Andrew Ellis, said: “The Opening of the Colne Oyster Fisheries is one of Colchester’s most distinctive and cherished traditions. It is a privilege to take part in a ceremony that connects our city to centuries of maritime heritage and celebrates the people who continue to sustain this remarkable industry. I look forward to raising a loyal toast and marking the start of another oyster season in East Mersea.”
Paul Harding added: “We’re delighted to host this unique event alongside the Mayor and his guests, overlooking the River Colne and Pyefleet Creek. This is the traditional Colchester Oyster Fishery, originally granted to the people of Colchester by King Richard I in 1189, and oysters have been harvested here since Roman times. It’s a privilege to continue such an extraordinary legacy.”