BMC Harvest Feast & Mabon Celebration

What a night! Our first-ever Harvest Meal was a true celebration of community, the land, and the turning of the seasons 🌾

The feast was the brilliant idea of Pip & Sam from Agroecology, supported by fellow Agro students, Lizzie from last year’s Horticulture, and a whole host of incredible helpers – Fenella, Elle, Heather, Penny, Gaia, Letitia, Ruffin and so many more! Elle devised the menu and led the kitchen team through two full days of cooking for around 70 hungry bellies.

Almost everything on the menu came straight from the BMC Market Garden — from the tomatoes and basil for the soup to the squash, beans, and salad leaves. The only things not grown on the farm were the quinoa and flour!

The hall was transformed into a magical autumn space, decorated with branches, berries, crabapples, strawflowers, squash, and fairy lights — thanks to Em, Tim, Fenella, Gaia, and the decorating crew.

We even created a brand new BMC tradition – “The Running of the Squash” – inspired by the old harvest custom of “Running the Sheaf.” Our brave runner, Katie, carried a giant squash across the Ennig bridge, dodging water, leaves, and cheers from everyone!

There were blessings, songs, poetry, laughter, and gratitude — all in honour of Mabon, the ancient celebration of the Autumn Equinox: a time to give thanks for the harvest, bid farewell to summer, and welcome the quieter days ahead.

Everyone joined in singing Afon (River), a gentle song dedicated to the Ennig that flows past our farm – a perfect end to a truly magical evening of food, friendship, and harvest joy.

Here’s to many more seasonal feasts and new traditions to come!