For centuries Britain has celebrated the harvest from the land. This autumn, for the first time, the nation will come together to celebrate the harvest of the sea.
On Sunday 11 October at 6pm, Exeter Cathedral will host the inaugural National Harvest of the Sea — a landmark service recognising the fishermen and women, fishing families and coastal communities whose dedication has provided sustainable seafood to Britain for generations.
Held in partnership with Love British Food, and supported by Seafish, the UK’s public body supporting the seafood industry, the National Harvest of the Sea celebrates seafood as an essential part of Britain’s food story. While the annual Westminster Harvest Festival has long recognised the achievements of British farming and agriculture, this new national event shines a light on those who harvest the seas, ensuring that fishing takes its rightful place within the nation’s harvest traditions.
The Bishop of Exeter will preach at the service, in partnership with The Fishermen’s Mission, area manager for Devon Helen Lovell-Smith, bringing together representatives from across the fishing industry, seafood businesses, coastal communities, churches and supporters from around the United Kingdom.
The event has received the support of Her Majesty The Queen, who has sent a message recognising the importance of Britain’s fishing communities and this historic occasion.
Fishing is one of Britain’s oldest industries, helping shape our coastal towns, our culture and our food for centuries. Every day, fishermen and women head to sea in all weathers to land some of the world’s finest sustainable seafood. Their work supports thousands of jobs, strengthens local economies and provides healthy, nutritious food for homes, restaurants and businesses across the country.
The contribution of the fishing industry reaches far beyond the quayside. Every fishing vessel supports a much wider network of businesses throughout the seafood supply chain – from fish markets, processors, merchants and transport operators to engineers, boatyards, fuel suppliers, net makers, wholesalers, retailers, fishmongers and restaurants. Together they sustain thousands of jobs in coastal communities and help ensure that high-quality British seafood reaches tables across the United Kingdom.
The National Harvest of the Sea has been created to celebrate those achievements, to give thanks for the harvest from our seas, and to recognise the resilience, skill and commitment of the people behind Britain’s seafood industry.
Funds raised during the service will support The Fishermen’s Mission, whose work has provided practical, financial and pastoral support to fishermen and their families for more than 140 years.
Everyone is warmly invited to attend this historic service. Whether you work within the seafood industry, have family connections to fishing, or simply wish to celebrate Britain’s rich maritime heritage and show your support for our coastal communities, all are welcome.
The organisers hope this first National Harvest of the Sea will become an annual tradition, standing alongside the country’s established harvest celebrations and recognising the vital contribution made by Britain’s fishing industry for generations to come.
For generations, Britain has celebrated the harvest from the land. The National Harvest of the Sea ensures that the harvest from our seas is recognised alongside it – honouring the fishermen and women who feed the nation, supporting the communities that depend upon them, and inspiring future generations to value Britain’s proud fishing heritage.