Pigeon announces The Great British Harvest Festival in support of three East of England charities

Pigeon is delighted to announce that The Great British Harvest Festival will be held at St Edmundsbury Cathedral in Bury St Edmunds on Saturday 26 September 2026.

Created to celebrate Britain’s farming heritage, rural communities and outstanding musical talent, the event will raise funds for three charities which make a significant difference in the East of England: Cambridge Children’s Hospital, The Charlie Watkins Foundation and YANA (You Are Not Alone).

The festival reflects Pigeon’s longstanding commitment to supporting the communities in which it works, bringing together business, agriculture, music, and philanthropy for a unique evening in the heart of Suffolk.

Organised by Pigeon, with producers Andrew Sunnucks, Nick Bullen and Patrick Cooper, the evening will feature an exceptional line-up of performers and special guests in one of Suffolk’s most iconic venues.

Audiences can look forward to an exceptional programme of performances from the National Youth Choir, The Orchestra of the Royal College of Music, Debbie Wiseman OBE, Sir John Rutter, Dame Evelyn Glennie, Grace Davidson, The James Taylor Quartet, Tim Garland, Philip Sheppard, and Nik Kershaw & Chesney Hawkes.

The evening will be hosted by acclaimed broadcaster and television producer John Lloyd CBE, creator of QI, Blackadder and Not the Nine O’Clock News, alongside renowned broadcaster Zeb Soanes and celebrated chef Andy Clarke, who will help guide guests through what promises to be a truly memorable evening.

Guests are encouraged to embrace the harvest theme by bringing their own picnics featuring the very best of British produce, or by pre-ordering a specially prepared picnic to enjoy on the evening. Hawkstone will be providing a bar serving its award-winning lager, cider, and Farmer’s Dog, with wine also available from Knollbury Fort and a specially selected wine from Chapel Down, ensuring guests can enjoy the very best of British food and drink throughout the celebration.

The event has been created to celebrate community while raising vital funds for three charities supporting physical and mental wellbeing.

The Charlie Watkins Foundation works to ensure that no young person faces mental health challenges alone, funding projects and resources that help young people navigate the transition into adulthood and university life. Cambridge Children’s Hospital is creating a world-leading children’s hospital for the East of England, while YANA provides support for those involved in agriculture and other rural businesses affected by stress and mental health challenges.

Patrick Cooper, Director at Pigeon, said: “The Great British Harvest Festival is a celebration of everything that makes our rural communities so special. By bringing together world-class performers in the magnificent setting of St Edmundsbury Cathedral, we hope to create a memorable evening that not only celebrates Britain’s farming heritage but also raises vital funds for three exceptional charities. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has helped bring this event together and look forward to welcoming guests in September.”

Tickets are now available to purchase at www.gbhf.co.uk