Photo: Pete Robinson
Last updated: 18 January, 2026 @ 11:01
It’s that time of year again – oyster season is officially here in the UK.
September marks the long-awaited return of native oysters (Ostrea edulis), kicking off a season of briny indulgence that runs right through to April.
While Pacific oysters are farmed and available year-round, it’s the availability of the less common native oyster that make this season so special.
Mersea oyster fisheries open
In Essex, the season officially begins with the opening of the Colne Oyster Fisheries at East Mersea – a tradition dating back to 1540.
The ceremony is full of pageantry, with the Mayor of Colchester leading proceedings, including the reading of the Proclamation – an ancient tongue-twister – which officially declares the fishery open.
The mayor will then raise the loyal toast to His Majesty the King, accompanied by the traditional serving of gin and gingerbread.
‘Oysters, gin and gingerbread’
“As mayor, I can’t think of a better way to mark the turning of the seasons than with oysters, gin, and gingerbread – in the best Colchester tradition,” said Mayor of Colchester, Cllr Michael Lilley.
“This event connects us to centuries of history, and I’m delighted to celebrate both the heritage and the hardworking people who keep it alive.”
Bumper oyster season in Stranraer
Further north, Scotland is gearing up for the Stranraer Oyster Festival (12–14 September), which celebrates the native oysters of Loch Ryan.
Thanks to an unusually warm summer, scientists are predicting a bumper year for the beds – with the conditions ideal for native oyster reproduction and baby oysters, known as spat.
“We’ve been monitoring these temperatures closely and this extra degree of warmth should lead to the most successful breeding season in decades,” said Tristan Hugh-Jones of the Loch Ryan Oyster Fishery Company.
“The conditions are exceptional. We could be looking at a bumper spatfall year which will support the growth of this important oyster bed.”
Oyster Shucking Championship
The festival brings together food, science, and fun – with shucking competitions, celebrity chefs, cookery demos, and even a ‘Marine Robot Lab’ where visitors can see underwater drones in action.
At its heart, though, are the native oysters themselves, served up at a huge oyster bar and showcased in the Scottish Oyster Shucking Championship, which will see competitors race to open native oysters with speed and precision.
The winner will go on to represent Scotland at the World Championships in Ireland in late September.
‘Absolutely unique’
“What visitors will experience here is absolutely unique,” says Romano Petrucci, chair of Stranraer Development Trust.
“Where else can you watch underwater robots being launched into waters containing 23 million native oysters, then enjoy world-class cookery demonstrations with Saturday Kitchen’s Matt Tebbutt, all while traditional Gaelic Sea songs echo across a loch that’s been protected by Royal Charter for over 300 years?”
So, whether you’re soaking up centuries-old tradition in Colchester or joining the festivities in Stranraer, now is the perfect time to celebrate the return of the native oyster.
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