Farmers and farming were the focus of the county’s showpiece Harvest Festival celebration at the home of the Suffolk Show.

The annual thanksgiving for the County Harvest Festival is a traditional event at Trinity Park on the edge of Ipswich, where farmers join clergy and a congregation drawn from across the county to give thanks for the fruits of the harvest.

The mix of activities on Sunday included craft displays, the iconic Suffolk Punches and live music.

Bishop Martin led the Harvest Festival at Trinity Park.Bishop Martin led the Harvest Festival at Trinity Park. (Image: Keith Mindham/Bishop's Office)

However, the line-up had been affected by the threat of Bluetongue disease and so there were no sheep or cattle as previously planned for the event.

Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich Rt Revd Martin Seeley, who attended the event, has urged more Government support for affected farmers.

He said: ‘‘We have been anticipating for some time that Bluetongue could come to this part of the world since it has been present in midges the other side of the North Sea.

“What we need now is much more support for farmers and others who are suffering from the impact both of the disease in their livestock and the consequent restrictions on moving their farm animals.”

Rural Chaplain Graham Miles and stick maker Dave Slater with Bishop Martin.Rural Chaplain Graham Miles and stick maker Dave Slater with Bishop Martin. (Image: Keith Mindham/Bishop's Office)

Bishop Martin is President of the Suffolk Agricultural Association, and he was joined by Ven Sally Gaze, Archdeacon for Rural Mission and Graham Miles, Rural and Agricultural Chaplain for Suffolk.

He said: ‘‘I was delighted to attend the two-day Suffolk Show here earlier this year as President during which I met many farmers and long-serving devoted farm employees.

‘‘Now we take the opportunity to thank them for the harvest, an annual event which puts many demands on a farm as everyone works long hours to bring in the harvest and then prepare for winter.’’

Music was central to the Harvest Festival celebration.Music was central to the Harvest Festival celebration. (Image: Keith Mindham/Bishop's Office)

The Harvest Festival is organised in collaboration with Lightwave; a Christian community with a special focus on sharing God’s light and love in rural areas of Suffolk. 

Its work has many aspects from foodbanks, youth work, environmental initiatives and pastoral care for the farming community.