Harvest Festival (United Kingdom) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Harvest Festival
Harvest pumpkins in Warwickshire.
Observed by	United Kingdom
Type	Cultural, religious.
Date	The Sunday closest to the harvest moon
Frequency	Annually
Related to	Erntedankfest (Germany and Austria) Thanksgiving (Canada) Thanksgiving (United States)

The Harvest Festival of Thanksgiving is a special time in the United Kingdom. It is a celebration of the food grown on farms and in gardens. People give thanks for a good harvest as winter gets closer. It is also a chance to be thankful for all the good things in life, like family and friends.

What is the Harvest Festival?

Harvest Festivals are usually held in churches. They can also happen in schools or even in local pubs. Some farms used to have their festivals in a barn. In some towns, churches plan their festivals on different days. This way, everyone can join in.

People bring different kinds of food to the festival. They might bring fresh produce from their garden or farm. Tinned and packaged food is also often brought. Sometimes, there is a special meal called a Harvest Supper. Some of the collected food might be eaten at this supper. Any extra food is often given to local charities. It might go to a hospital or a children's home. Sometimes, the food is sold in an auction to raise money for charity.

When is it Celebrated?

Most churches, especially in the countryside, hold a Harvest Festival. The exact timing can be different depending on local traditions. Many church schools also have their own festival during the week.

In the United Kingdom, Harvest Festivals happen after the crops are gathered. This is usually in September or October. The date depends on what crops are grown nearby. It also depends on when they are ready to be picked. Unlike Thanksgiving in the USA, Harvest Festival is not a public holiday in the UK. The main Thanksgiving day is a Sunday. However, many parades, festivals, and church services happen on other days around this time.