Winchester Cathedral hosts Hampshire Harvest Weekend

The diversity of food and farming in Hampshire will be celebrated with a weekend of free activities and displays hosted by Winchester Cathedral on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th October in conjunction with the Year of Food and Farming.

Throughout the weekend, the Cathedral Outer Close will feature farm machinery displays, an array of interactive exhibits and a Hampshire Fare market selling food, drink and rural crafts grown, made and reared in Hampshire. Within the Cathedral will be horticultural displays, Young Farmers’ and Growmore Club exhibits and a Hampshire Fare display of local produce.

Winchester Cathedral Café will host a Hampshire Fare three-course lunch on Sunday 7th October, sourced from Hampshire producers, and the weekend will culminate with a Service of Thanksgiving on the Sunday after at 3.30pm with the Bishop of Winchester, and the speaker will be Sir Don Curry, government advisor on agricultural matters.

The Dean of Winchester, James Atwell, says “At harvest-time it is important to recognise the achievements of those who work in agriculture and in associated industries. Caring for the Hampshire environment which provides our food, and coping with rapid change as well as the challenges of nature in weather and animal health, is all part of farming today.

“The celebration of harvest still challenges our false sense of being self sufficient as human beings, and reminds us we are part of something much bigger which comes as a gift. Being at the Cathedral reminds us there is a spiritual response to our world which is to say ‘thank you’”.

Hampshire Harvest weekend is organised by county food group Hampshire Fare, Winchester Cathedral, The New Forest Agricultural Show Society, Hampshire Country Learning, Sparsholt College and the NFU. The Year of Food and Farming is an industry led initiative, supported by three government departments designed to promote healthy living by giving children, in particular, direct experience of countryside, farming and food. Yearoffoodandfarming.org.uk.

Tim Brock, Hampshire Fare Manager, says "Winchester Cathedral is a magnificent setting for this special event to promote, share and appreciate Hampshire's beautiful countryside and its many dedicated farmers and producers".

The Hampshire Harvest Weekend is a free family event and runs Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th October 10am-5pm. The three course Hampshire Fare lunch on Sunday 7th October at Winchester Cathedral Café is at 12.30pm and costs £25 per person.

The Hampshire Harvest Festival Service in Winchester Cathedral is on Sunday 7th October is at 3.30pm.

For more information about this event, please visit the what’s on page at Hampshirefare.co.uk.