All welcome at Lincolnshire Harvest Festival

As the last of Lincolnshire’s harvest is safely gathered in, farmers and their families are giving an open invitation to join them at the annual Lincoln Cathedral Harvest Festival on Sunday 18 October at 3pm.

Issuing the invitation, farmer and rural vicar Rev David Creasey said: "The weather forecast for a "barbeque summer" didn’t quite come to fruition, as the summer rain and driest September in living memory conspired to give an "interesting" time for farmers. But as usual, Lincolnshire’s beautiful countryside has produced some wonderful food and it’s time to say "thank you" for our families, homes, the food we eat and our communities. Everyone is welcome to attend the Harvest Festival at the Cathedral – the most wonderful and historic setting for our family thanksgiving service."

David is chairman of the Harvest Festival organising committee which includes representatives from the county’s rural organisations, including the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society, the YFC, NFU, CLA, RABI and LRSN, who together with the Cathedral officers and staff stage this annual festival of food and farming.

The preacher for this year’s service will be Canon John Patrick of Sleaford and the readers will include Lincolnshire High Sheriff, Lady Sarah McCorquodale, Sarah Buckley, chairman of Lincolnshire Women’s Food and Farming Union and Carl Stubbs of Lincolnshire YFC.

The collection from the service will benefit two charities, RABI and LRSN and there will be a post-service cup of tea and slice of Lincolnshire plumbread to encourage those attending to stay and chat awhile. The Cathedral will be dressed with local produce and the usual procession of offerings will include fruit and vegetables from around the county. The produce is donated to the Nomad Trust of Lincoln, afterwards. Everyone, especially the younger generation, are welcome to attend and bring an offering to lay at the altar.