A message of support from Her Majesty The Queen will be shared at this year’s National Harvest Service in Nantwich, marking an important national moment of thanksgiving for the harvest and recognition of those who work in agriculture and food production.
The service, which this year is being held at St Mary’s Church, Nantwich on Sunday, October 11, forms part of the annual National Harvest Festival celebrations delivered during British Food Fortnight. The event brings together farmers, growers, food producers, churches, volunteers and rural organisations to give thanks for the harvest and reflect on the importance of food, land stewardship and community.
This year’s Nantwich celebration is being supported by Reaseheath College and University Centre, the Cheshire Agricultural Society, Nantwich Agricultural Society, The Cheese Shop, Nantwich and representatives of the Diocese of Chester. Reaseheath will support the event by promoting land-based education, skills development and future career opportunities, helping to showcase the next generation of talent entering the sector.
Activities will begin from Noon in Nantwich town centre, where visitors will be able to enjoy farm-to-fork exhibits, livestock displays, harvest-themed activities and opportunities to learn more about local food production. Produce displays created by local schools will also form part of the celebrations, with produce being donated to local charities and foodbanks following the event.
The inclusion of a Royal message within the Order of Service highlights the national significance of the event and its continued relevance at a time of growing focus on food security, sustainability and agricultural skills.
As part of the celebrations, Reaseheath will provide information on its land-based courses and career pathways while supporting the wider programme of activities designed to connect visitors with the countryside and bring modern agriculture to life. These will include farm-to-fork learning experiences and opportunities to discover more about careers across the land-based industries.
Iain Clarke, Assistant Principal – Land Based and Sustainability at Reaseheath, said: “This year’s National Harvest Service is a powerful reminder of how closely agriculture, education and community are connected. It is a privilege for Reaseheath to be involved alongside local partners, showcasing the skills, innovation and enthusiasm of the next generation entering the land-based sector.
“Opportunities like this help bring farming and food production to life for people of all ages. After a particularly challenging year for many across the industry, it is also an important opportunity to recognise the dedication and resilience of the people who continue to produce our food and care for our countryside.”
The Rev Canon Anne Lawson, who will be conducting the service, added: “The National Harvest Service is a moment to pause and give thanks for the harvest, but also to reflect on the wider responsibilities we share as a community. This year’s celebration brings together tradition and relevance, reminding us of the importance of food, faith, compassion and care for those who are struggling, both locally and further afield.”
Chris Thyer, Commercial Director of Cheshire Agricultural Society CIO, said: “The National Harvest Festival continues to grow as a celebration of agriculture in all its forms. Bringing together farmers, producers, students and the wider public, it provides an important opportunity to showcase the people, skills and innovation that underpin our rural industries.
“We’re proud to support an event that helps strengthen connections between agriculture and the communities it serves, while highlighting the vital role farming continues to play in our economy, environment and everyday lives.”
Liz Parkin, from Nantwich Agricultural Society, said: “One of the greatest strengths of the National Harvest Festival is the way it brings together education, industry, faith groups and local communities. By celebrating both our agricultural heritage and the future of food production, the event helps people better understand where their food comes from and the challenges and opportunities facing the sector.
Organisers say the event reflects the strength of collaboration between education providers, industry and the local rural community, reinforcing the importance of sustainable farming practices and the continued role of agriculture in the region’s economy, environment and way of life.
The Harvest Torch, a specially commissioned iron sculpture created by Master Blacksmith Andy Hall from Devon, symbolises the natural bounty of the harvest and is widely associated with the farming community’s celebration of British food and agriculture. Since May, the torch has travelled across Cheshire, visiting communities, schools and agricultural organisations to celebrate the connection between farming, food production and the people and places they support.
The National Harvest Service will take place at 3pm in St Mary’s Church, bringing together representatives from the farming, food and rural sectors to celebrate the harvest and recognise those who work throughout the year to produce the nation’s food.
The service will conclude with a blessing for the harvest and a call to continue supporting sustainable food production and rural communities.
