London Billingsgate Sea Harvest Festival

Where: London at St-Mary-at-Hill church in Lovat Lane
When: 2nd Sunday in October
Time: 10.30 am

 

Billingsgate was the centre of London’s fish trade for generations so it is appropriate that the nearby church of St-Mary-at-Hill holds a thanksgiving festival celebrating the harvest of good things from the sea. This takes place on the second Sunday in October, when the church is decorated with fishing nets and a spectacular display of  fish and other seafood, which is supplied by the local traders from Billingsgate Market. A platter of seafood is presented by representatives of the traders after the procession, and placed upon the altar. Following the service, which includes all the maritime and harvest themed hymns you could possibly think of (including specially adapted words for “Come ye thankful people come…”), the amazing seafood display is sold off in the foyer and funds donated to charity.

Helpful Hints

In 2024 it should be held on Sunday October 13th. The service lasts for around an hour and all are welcome.

If you follow your nose from several streets away, you’ll find the church easily as the fishy aroma from the display is easy apparent from some distance away!

Click here for the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/stmaryathill/

For the church website, click here: http://www.stmary-at-hill.org/index.php

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