Recognition for Britain’s Fishing Communities
For centuries, Britain has formally celebrated the harvest from its land, but this autumn the nation will gather to honour the harvest of its seas for the first time.
On Sunday 11 October at 6:00 pm, Exeter Cathedral will host the inaugural National Harvest of the Sea service, bringing together fishing families, seafood businesses, and coastal communities from across the United Kingdom.
Created to mirror traditional agricultural harvest festivals, such as the annual Westminster Harvest Festival, the new national event aims to give Britain’s catching sector and seafood supply chain its rightful place within the nation’s heritage.
The service, which has received the support of Her Majesty The Queen, is intended to become an established annual tradition.
Supporting the Wider Seafood Network
Fishing remains one of Britain’s oldest industries, providing sustainable seafood while sustaining employment far beyond the quayside.
Every vessel at sea supports an extensive onshore supply chain, including fish markets, processors, net makers, marine engineers, wholesalers, fishmongers, and restaurants.
Organisers highlight that the daily dedication of crews working in harsh offshore conditions underpins food security, economic stability, and cultural identity across the country’s coastal towns.
A Collaborative National Gathering
Organised in partnership with Love British Food and supported by Seafish—the UK’s public body for the seafood industry—the historic service will feature a sermon by the Bishop of Exeter, alongside Helen Lovell-Smith, Devon Area Manager for The Fishermen’s Mission.
Key industry groups, including the Plymouth Fishing & Seafood Association and Fish24 CIC, have joined as core supporters to champion the UK catching and processing sectors.
“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,” said Adrian Bartlett, event co-organiser and Director of the Plymouth Fishing & Seafood Association. “Yet we have never had a national harvest celebration dedicated to those who bring in the harvest from our seas. National Harvest of the Sea aims to change that.”
Alexia Robinson, Founder and CEO of Love British Food, added that after two decades of celebrating farming, it is fitting to extend national recognition to the marine harvest that feeds the nation.
Funding Essential Coastal Services
In addition to celebrating the industry, funds raised during the service will support The Fishermen’s Mission, which has delivered practical, financial, and pastoral support to fishermen and their families for over 140 years, alongside Exeter Cathedral.
“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,” noted Helen Lovell-Smith of The Fishermen’s Mission.
Admission to the 6:00 pm service at Exeter Cathedral on Sunday 11 October is free and open to the public, welcoming seafood workers, coastal residents, and supporters from across the UK.