Britain’s vibrant fishing community is set to make history with the country’s inaugural National Harvest of the Sea, a groundbreaking event that will bring together industry stakeholders and the public for a unique celebration.
Scheduled to take place at Exeter Cathedral on the evening of Sunday, October 11, the event aims to unite fishermen, their families, seafood businesses, and coastal communities from all across the UK.
Organizers envision this event as the beginning of a new tradition that celebrates the ocean’s bounty, much like the established harvest festivals dedicated to agriculture.
This service will not only honor those who venture out to sea for fish and shellfish but also acknowledge the vital roles of those working onshore in various segments of the seafood industry, including fish markets, processors, and restaurants.
The event is organized in collaboration with Love British Food and supported by Seafish, a public body dedicated to backing the UK’s seafood industry.
Leading the service will be the Dean of Exeter, with the Bishop of Exeter delivering the sermon.
Helen Lovell-Smith, Area Manager for The Fishermen’s Mission in Devon, will also be present to offer blessings for the fishing industry and its communities.
Colin Faulkner, Chief Executive of Seafish, will participate by giving a reading during the service.
Although Queen Camilla has conveyed her support through a letter, she will not be attending the event.
The National Harvest of the Sea seeks to highlight the significance of fishing to Britain’s economy, culture, and coastal life.
Adrian Bartlett, a key organizer and Director of the Plymouth Fishing & Seafood Association, sees it as a long-overdue recognition for an industry without its own national celebration. “Having spent nearly forty years in the fishing industry, I’ve seen first-hand the dedication, resilience and pride of the men and women who put to sea in all conditions to provide food for our nation,” he stated.
Bartlett further emphasized, “National Harvest of the Sea is about changing that. It’s about recognizing the people behind every catch, from the crews at sea to the families and businesses ashore who keep our coastal communities alive.”
He expressed hope that this event would evolve into a lasting tradition. “Whether you’re part of the fishing industry or simply appreciate the value of British seafood, I invite you to join us at Exeter Cathedral and be part of this historic first National Harvest of the Sea,” he added.
Lovell-Smith noted that the event will also serve to honor the legacy of fishing families over generations. “For generations, fishing families have lived by the seasons of the sea, yet until now there has never been a national service dedicated to giving thanks for the harvest from our waters,” she remarked.
She emphasized the dual nature of the occasion, “This service is about giving thanks, remembering those who have gone before us, supporting those who continue to fish today, and recognizing the families and coastal communities who stand beside them.”
Alexia Robinson, founder of Love British Food, highlighted the event’s alignment with traditional harvest celebrations. “British farming and agriculture have long been recognized through our national harvest celebrations, and it is only fitting that we now also celebrate the harvest of our seas,” she said.
Robinson added, “Britain’s fishermen and women harvest one of our greatest natural resources, providing sustainable, nutritious seafood while supporting coastal communities and our food security.”
Exeter was chosen for its inaugural status due to its significant role in the UK’s seafood industry, as noted by Colin Faulkner. “It’s fitting that the event is taking place at the wonderful Exeter Cathedral, which is in a part of the country that plays an important role in the UK’s seafood harvest,” he commented.
Faulkner added, “Fishing lies at the heart of many coastal communities around the UK, but its contribution reaches much further than our coastline. It supports jobs and businesses throughout the seafood supply chain, provides nutritious food and forms an important part of our shared heritage.”
The event is set to coincide with the closing of British Food Fortnight, marking its 25th anniversary this year, and will feature the Pride in the Seas England exhibition by Dr. Sarah Coulthard.
Attendees will have the chance to explore the exhibition, which highlights the connection between fishing communities, science, and the sea, and observe traditional fishing skills like withy pot making.
Organizers are extending an open invitation to the public, encouraging participation regardless of industry affiliation or personal connections to fishing. Admission is free, and donations made during the service will benefit The Fishermen’s Mission and Exeter Cathedral.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
