Banquet
Party, Bacchanal
noun
The kanji and the word are exactly the same. That means they share meanings as well.
宴 is an old-fashioned word for 宴会. It refers to large, festive feasts in traditional settings, often involving lots of sake and the enjoyment of traditional performing arts. You may see it used in literature or in song lyrics to evoke scenes of grand, lavish banquets from ages past.
At a banquet or party, you don't only get food, you also 歌 GET (うたげ), which is you getting a song from a singer. After all, entertainment is just as important as the food when you're at a wild bacchanal such as this!
王子は、宴の最中に撃たれて死んだ。
The prince was shot dead during the feast.
こよいの宴は実に楽しいものですな。
The banquet this evening is truly fun, isn't it?
さぁ、宴じゃ宴じゃ！みんな、飲め飲め！
Alright, it's party time! Everyone, drink up, drink up!