A centuries-old Richmond tradition celebrating the harvest is to be followed by a community produce show.
Richmond Town Council is preparing to hold its Produce Show following the town’s traditional First Fruits Ceremony.
Cllr Carl Tate, chair of the town council’s Community Committee, said the event would give local gardeners and growers an opportunity to showcase their produce, with the Mayor helping to judge the entries.
The First Fruits Ceremony has its roots in Richmond’s medieval past, when the success of crops grown in the surrounding countryside was vital to the town and its residents.
Unlike a traditional church harvest festival, the event is a civic ceremony led by the Mayor of Richmond.
The ceremony traditionally begins with a local farmer arriving at Trinity Tower carrying a small sack containing some of the year’s newly harvested grain, usually wheat or barley.
The farmer formally presents the “first fruit” of the harvest to the Mayor before the grain is inspected by an expert witness, traditionally a local miller.
If satisfied with its quality, the miller pronounces the grain “good, sound and sweet”.
In return for the grain, the Mayor traditionally presents bottles of wine to the farmer and miller, before the Mayor, civic dignitaries and members of the public toast the harvest and the town.
This year’s ceremony will then be followed by the Produce Show.
Cllr Tate said: “As chair of the Community Committee I am proud to announce the Produce Show.
“We are then holding the produce show where the Mayor will be assisted judging the produce that has been entered.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for the community to come along and showcase what they have.”
Residents wishing to take part can obtain entry forms from Richmond Town Hall, with forms also available online.
Be the first to comment