St Edmundsbury Cathedral to celebrate Plough Sunday with traditional tractor and plough blessing

A town’s cathedral will mark an ancient service with the blessing of a tractor and a plough next month.

Plough Sunday will be held at St Edmundsbury Cathedral, in Bury St Edmunds, during the Choral Evensong service on Sunday, January 7.

The annual service, which dates back to Victorian times, celebrates farming and agriculture in the county with prayers led by the agricultural chaplain, Graham Miles.

Following this, clergy and congregation will make their way to the Norman Tower where the plough – provided by Euston Estate – will be located.

Canon Philip Banks, precentor at the cathedral, said, “A landmark agriculture, food and climate action declaration closed last month's UN Climate Change Conference (COP28).

“It highlights the essential role that our farmers play in our food security and in the stewardship of our land at this time of climate change.

“The ancient custom of plough blessing is especially relevant here, with Suffolk's vast agricultural lands and heritage.

“It is the day at the start of each year when we pray for blessing and strength for the many people whose lives are connected with God's good earth and all it produces for our daily living.”

The Plough Sunday service and blessing is open to all and will start at 3.30pm in the cathedral.