A harvest festival with a difference is set to help bring communities together in Suffolk.
With problems hosting the traditional event inside a church due to the coronavirus pandemic, the drive-in service, organised by the North Samford Benefice, will take place with members of the community sat in their own cars.
The Revd Annette Shannon, rector of the North Samford Benefice, said: “The coronavirus pandemic has brought about many changes to the way communities can come together and I was determined to find a way to lift community spirits in whatever way possible. Although the harvest festival will look and feel a lot different to previous events, the aim remains the same; to bring communities together. After putting out a plea for a location to hold the event, we are incredibly lucky to have been offered a beautiful location in Ipswich which will allow us to celebrate and come together all while abiding by the government’s guidance.”
The drive-in harvest festival will be held on Street Farm in The Street, Belstead, on Sunday 4 October 2020.
The Revd Canon Dave Gardner, the Diocesan Director of Mission, will be a guest speaker and activity packs have been created for children attending. Activities include making a cow mask as well as creating a model sheep and a model tree.
Annette added: “The event is open to everyone however we have a limit of 50 cars and therefore urge anyone that wants to attend to book their space via Eventbrite. We are incredibly fortunate to be able to hold this event and we look forward to celebrating the harvest festival with the community.”
Entry to the event is free but there is a recommended donation of £5 per person. Donation buckets and contactless options for those who wish to donate will be available and all funds will be split between Families in Need, which provides food parcels to help people through a crisis, as well as the ministry and North Samford Benefice.
Gates will open at 10am with the service due to start at 11am. Families are welcome to stay after the service has finished to enjoy a socially distanced picnic.
You can book your ticket via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/drive-in-harvest-tickets-117750096709
The Belstead event comes as the traditional harvest festival celebration at St Edmundsbury Cathedral is also moving to a drive-in service at Trinity Park showground.