Here are the latest news and developments 
as we plan for the Oyster Fayre 2016

28th April 2016
I have been asked to publish here the gate prices for this year’s Fayre, although these are available elsewhere on this website.
Adult entrance is £8, 3years to 14years it’s £4. For infants in buggies & Carers enter for free, Concessions are £5.
These rates have remained the same for the past 2 years.
Unfortunately we do not accept card payment at the gate.
There will be plenty going on to keep you at the Fayre all day with a continuous programme of entertainment with up to 3 activities taking place at any one time. 
www.oysterfayre.magix.net/public/WeekendProgramme2016a.pdf 
Bring plenty of cash for your essential buys at the market and for the fine and unusual Eateries we have for you this year; and of course the Beer Tent and the Oyster Man.
26th April 2016
This is looking like it will to be the fullest Faye we have staged so far, with more Armed Combat, more Children’s Entertainment, more Traders, more Caterers and let’s hope, lots of Great Weather.
This year sees the return of a Rope Walk, not seen at the Fayre since 2004. Pam & Ad will be making ropes all weekend and to give them a break from the winding handle you will be able to make your very own rope or even ride on the ‘truck’ as the rope appears as by magic.
Also returning this year are Essex Beekeepers with their glass fronted hive. Watch the bees as they go about their endless trips collecting pollen at make into fine honey.
Back this year again is Stephen Fisher of The Norfolk Cider Company returns with his huge Apple Press. He will be pressing fresh apple juice for you all weekend and selling it bottled as you leave. 
His excellent Cider will be available at the Beer Tent.
7th April 2016
Some of you who will be visiting our Fayre in June, or may be participating and will need accommodation, may be interested to know that there is a new Premier Inn now open right next to the Park gates where our Festival takes place. As of today, April 7th, they are offering advance bookings for Friday 3rd June and Sat 4th at just £39 per night. To book type in post code CO1 and choose Town Centre Castle Hotel.
4th April 2016
More good news, following a visit this weekend to Cressing Temple Barns, where the International Living History Fair was taking place, I have secured the Dragon’s Head Bakers for our Fayre. Only a small operation but it will give our visitors the chance to see bread being made on site in a field bakery. Also secured are Time-Travel with their rope making team offering our visitors the opportunity to make their very own rope. Only 4 pitches left unfilled now, so Traders if you want to join us this year you need to be quick.
31st March 2016
Now in its 14th year The Festival is our interpretation of an annual Fair & Market held in regional town such as Colchester. Such fairs would attract visitors from far and wide to buy from the Merchants that went from fair to fair. Also attracted would be the entertainers, offering puppetry, storytelling, theatre & juggling. The people would be able to enjoy and take part in dancing, wrestling, country backswording, singing, music & sideshows. But the main reason they would come would be for the Market. At our Festival we attract Traders from all over Britain and the near continent. This year we have over 60 period market stalls. If that’s not all there will be the Archer of the Fayre longbow competition plus Falconry, and two areas for Armed Combat plus lots of living history to visit and even a rope maker.
This is the biggest Festival we have staged so far and it makes an wonderful family day out with fine catering at the food court & excellent ales at the beer tent.
29th March 2016
After a break of many years Hautbois Musicians are back at the Festival. This is great news and we are delighted to invite them back. 
http://hautbois.co.uk/
Hautbois will not be the only musicians art the Festival, we hope to have at least 3 more groups playing at their stand, supporting the dancers or wandering the Fayre. More news of these performers will be posted in due course.
Ted Lloyd - Grand Marshal. 
 

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