Queen joins farmers at Westminster Abbey harvest festival

The National Harvest Service was held today (16 October) at Westminster Abbey, drawing 2,200 guests, including the Queen, to mark World Food Day and the end of British Food Fortnight.

The service, introduced at the Abbey in 2013 by Love British Food, was both a thanksgiving for the work of UK farmers and a reminder of the struggle many face to access food.

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In a message, King Charles said: “It is a time of year to give thanks to the custodians of our land in a tradition that stretches back centuries yet remains ever relevant.”

He added: “The particular resolve and resilience they have demonstrated through the challenges of our changing climate in recent years deserves our utmost admiration and gratitude… Our hearts go out to those who are struggling, especially as winter approaches, those with livestock.”

The service brought together leaders from farming, food redistribution, and charities, including theTrussell Trust, the Felix Project, City Harvest, and the Coronation Food Project, and volunteers from the groups joined prayers for the relief of hunger.

Focus on sharing

Alexia Robinson, founder of Love British Food, which led the service, said: “Today’s service gives thanks to our farmers for the food they produce, while also acknowledging that many people do not have enough to eat.”

Bishop Andrew Rumsey gave an address focusing on sharing and supporting those in need.

The service featured readings from actor Charles Dance and broadcaster Matt Baker.

Poet Laureate Simon Armitage read a specially composed poem as a gift to the Queen.

A harvest torch, carried into the Abbey by NFU president Tom Bradshaw, had travelled across the UK ahead of the event.

© Love British Food

Also present was a vintage grey and gold Massey Ferguson 35 tractor complete with Ferguson 35cwt trailer, provided by Peter Drinkwater, a second-generation farmer from Gloucestershire

Harvest boxes designed by children from John Perryn Primary School in Acton, west London, were presented during the procession.

Following the service, food from the harvest display was distributed by City Harvest and the Felix Project to four London community projects.