On the 1st August, the traditional first day of the grain harvest, we gathered in the fields to celebrate Lammas Day 2024. We feasted in the fields just as farmers once did. It was a fitting celebration of the grain we grow and the land we grow it on.
In a field of our heritage grains in the heart of the English countryside, 120 VIPs and friends of Fielden came together to raise a glass to nature, who puts the work in. The evening began with welcome drinks next to our Winter Trial plots; maslin, rye, spelt and heritage wheat and barley, all grown with an understory of white clover. Guests sipped on Fielden Rye Whisky Highballs whilst Fielden farmers, Hugh and Richard, shared stories about their regenerative farming journeys so far and their inspiration behind growing heritage grains sustainably. From there, guests were led through a heritage grain ‘maze’ to a traditional marquee for supper.
Guest chef, Johnnie Collins, wowed with a hyper-seasonal menu, featuring home-grown herbs and vegetables (grown without chemicals), alongside locally-sourced venison. It was a celebration of sustainability and flavour during a well-timed and ambient thunderstorm.
As the sun set and the night unfolded, music from The Rhythm and Booze Project and Brass Junkies filled the marquee, sparking spontaneous dancing.
This year’s event was a reminder of the hard work that goes into every bottle of Fielden English Rye Whisky - it all starts with the farmers who nurture the grains and the soil. Here’s to many more harvests and many more Lammas Day celebrations. Until next year!
