The Tradfolk Wassail Directory, 2022-23

Welcome to the Tradfolk Wassail Directory, 2022-23. Please note that we’re in the process of adding this season’s wassails as we speak, so it may or may not look very complete, depending on when you’re viewing it. If you have a wassail you’d like to add, please check the FAQs below.

We launched this page during the winter of 2022 and the attention it drew was amazing, demonstrating to us that the wassailing tradition is not only alive and well, but also blossoming once again. We started by wondering why Google wasn’t able to deal the question, “where to wassail near me?”, and we’re pleased to say that now – thanks to this page – it has all the answers. We hope to keep it as up-to-date and useful as possible, so make sure you share it with any wassail organisers you know of.

Where to wassail near me?

Apple wassailing was traditionally held in cider-making communities, so you’re more likely to find wassails in the West Country, or in the Welsh border counties. That said, it appears to be a popular tradition that increasing numbers are returning to, and – like many great traditions – is spreading across England at quite a pace.

In creating this directory of wassails, many of the organisers were first-timers, suggesting that this tradition increasingly holds meaning for many people who may be coming to it anew. People seem to be keen to connect to the land in a way that we’ve perhaps not seen for some time. Whatever the reason, it’s certainly nice to be involved in something that is non-digital, allowing the participants to look up, gaze around them, and really notice the wheel of the year.

Obviously, if you’re travelling long distances for your wassail, it’s best to contact the organisers beforehand to see if it is still going ahead. However, at the time of writing, the nearest wassail to you may well be at one of the following places…

Your wassailing questions answered

Listen to our podcast about wassailing songs here…

UK

• Bedfordshire
• Berkshire
• Birmingham
• Buckinghamshire
• Cambridgeshire
• Cheshire
• City of Edinburgh
• Cornwall
• County Durham
• Cumbria
• Derbyshire
• Devon
• Dorset
• East Sussex
• Essex
• Glamorgan
• Gloucestershire
• Hampshire
• Herefordshire
• Kent
• Lancashire
• Lincolnshire
• London
• Merseyside
• Norfolk
• Northumberland
• Nottinghamshire
• Oxfordshire
• Scottish Borders
• Somerset
• Suffolk
• Surrey
• Tyne and Wear
• Warwickshire
• West Sussex
• Wiltshire
• Worcestershire
• Yorkshire

Europe

• France

USA

• New York
• Virginia

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UK

Bedfordshire

Dunton Wassail

Dunton, Biggleswade
Jan 7th, 2023
6.30pm onwards

A wonderful community wassail! If you’re in the area, you’ll be enjoying soup and hot dogs from Dunton Community Garden, mulled cider, dancing from Letchworth Morris Men and Bedford Morris Men, a mummers play from the Brafront Guizers and a traditional music session in the March Hare pub afterwards. As Dunton Folk says “Who would think you could have so much entertainment in one evening?” Wrap up warm, take a torch, a saucepan lid and a wooden spoon. Click here for more information.

Red Cuthbert Wassail

Bedford Park, Bedford
Jan 21st, 2023
2pm onwards

We haven’t got a lot of information about this wassail, but you can expect dancing and singing in the park, hosted by Red Cuthbert Morris. Click here for more information.

Berkshire

Traditional Orchard Wassail

Lilly Hill Park, Bracknell
Jan 21st, 2023
5:30pm-7pm

Banishing the evil spirits and awakening the sleeping apple trees at this relatively new wassail are the OBJ Morris. The ceremony will be conducted by firelight, and you are encouraged to bring your own cider or apple juice so that you can bless the trees. Click here for more information.

Birmingham

Wassail in the Orchard

Castle Bromwich Historic Gardens
Jan 22nd, 2023
3:30pm onwards

This is the third Wassail in the Orchard. Expect stories, singing and dancing from Barry Patterson, Green Man and Beorma Morris. The parade walks through the 18th-century walled gardens to the heritage orchard, where you’ll bless the apple and pear trees, and make lots of noise. Go and nurture nature in their historic space. Tickets must be bought in advance. Click here for more information.

Buckinghamshire

Hedgerley Wassail

Glebe Field, Hedgerley
Jan 14th, 2023
2pm onwards

Head to Glebe Field before the sun fades to enjoy a jolly good wassail of the local orchard, as well as some quality Morris dancing. No further information currently available.

Cambridgeshire

Burwell Priory Meadow Wassail

Burwell, near Newmarket
Jan 8th, 2023
3.30pm

All are welcome to wassail the trees in the community orchard, and the saplings in the nursery. You’ll be directed by Master of Ceremonies Malcom Busby, and entertained by Causeway, as well as with stories and poems as long as it’s not too chilly (or chucking it down?). Bring something to bang. Fancy hats optional. Click here for more information.

Midsummer Common Wassail

Midsummer Common Community Orchard
Cambridge
Jan 15th, 2023
Midday onwards

Join the second annual wassail at the Midsummer Common Community Orchard. There will be music, singing, and good cheer (in the form of mulled cider/apple juice). Bring pots and pans to bang, and green face paint is encouraged. Suitable for all ages, all welcome. Wassail! Click here for more information.

Trumpington Wassail

Trumpington Community Orchard
Cambridge
Jan 15th, 2023
2pm onwards

After a “small but beautiful” wassail with just their volunteers in 2022, the community of Trumpington is once again invited to join Lord of Misrule, Nigel Pennick, to clear off the evil orchard spirits and bless the trees for the coming year. We have no further information.

Cheshire

Traditional Wassail!

Boundary Farm, Dunham Massey
Jan 7th, 2023
4pm onwards

The Hewitt Family invites you to join them in wassailing their orchards, in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust. They’ll be joined by the Bollin Morris Men and the Neezzupp Ceilidh Band for a good old fashioned wassail, complete with procession, flaming torches, pots and pans, gunfire, and a wassail bowl. Last year, the event raised over £1000 for charity so get your wellies on and dig deep (into your pockets). Click here for more information.

City of Edinburgh

Portobello Community Orchard

Brunstane Road South, Portobello
Jan 21st, 2023
2.30pm-4.30pm

Celebrate the turning of the year, and share the hope for another bumper harvest with the Portobello community at their wassail. The community choir will lead the singing and dancing and there will be a toasty bonfire to keep out the winter chill, along with spiced apple juice and home-baked treats. Click here for more information.

Cornwall

National Trust Wassail

Cotehele, Saltash
Dec 17th, 2022
11:30am-12:30pm

Join the team at Cotehele for their annual Wassail as they attempt to scare away the evil spirits from the Mother Orchard to ensure there is a bumper crop of apples next year. Fancy dress and noisy implements are highly encouraged, as are sensible footwear for a traipse through the orchard. Click here for more information.

County Durham

Hurworth Wassail!

Hurworth-on-Tees
Jan 8th, 2023
4pm onwards

Gather at 4pm outside The Coffee Pot in Hurworth Grange, then follow Black Diamond Mixed Morris as they process to the orchard and hang toast in the trees to please the guardian robins. Bring something with which you can make a whole bunch of noise, drink from the wassail cup and enjoy some shared wassail cake. Click here for more information.

The Hop Garden Wassail

High Spen
Jan 19th, 2023
3.25pm-4.15pm

All hail the Wassail! Join this traditional event of noise, singing and drinking mulled apple juice to wake up the trees. The Elderly Brothers will lead you in some traditional and less-traditional wassail songs, and you’re advised to bring instruments or saucepans and spoons. The event is free but donations are welcome. Click here for more information.

Cumbria

Crook Morris Wassail

The Row, Lyth Valley
14th Jan, 2023
1.30pm onwards

Crook Morris are hosting this Wassail – which has been going for longer than 10 years now – and they invite other Morris sides to join them, as well as the public. There is a ceremony around their damson tree followed by displays of dancing near the orchard. If that wasn’t already a cracking afternoon out, the action moves across to a local pub where you can enjoy more dancing and a (weather-dependant) mummers play. If your folky appetite still isn’t sated, you’re in luck – an evening of singing, dancing, and mumming awaits. Click here for more information.

Derbyshire

Woodland Wassail

Waingroves Community Centre, Ripley
Jan 7th, 2023
1pm-7.30pm

Wake the trees from their winter slumber at this woodland Wassail. You can start with lantern decorating at the community centre throughout the afternoon (the bar will be open and refreshments will be served) before the grand Lantern Procession through an illuminated woodland trail, alongside Black Pig Border Morris. Fun for all the family. Click here for more information.

Whaley Wassail

Whaley Bridge Memorial Park
Jan 7th, 2023
5pm onwards

Powderkegs Morris began their wassail in 2014, and it has had a number of homes since then. The side dances in the Memorial Park, followed by a torchlit procession to the wassail trees. The wassail ceremony, supported by the Whaley Bridge Friends Of The Memorial Park, will call on the trees to bear fruit in the coming years, and the trees will be serenaded in song. Click here for more information.

Fleet Wassail

Belper
Jan 15th, 2023
6pm-8pm

Burn the yule log and have a jolly good wassail with the Fleet Folkloric Forum. The procession will start outside The Flub (Fleet Community Hub) at 6pm and will culminate in a supervised Christmas tree burning ceremony on Fleet Green. You might want to bring breadcrumbs to throw into branches, cider to cast over the tree roots, lamps or torches to light the way and saucepans to drive out evil spirits. Click here for more information.

Amber Valley Vineyards

Wessington, Alfreton
Jan 28th, 2023
4pm-7pm

Amber Valley Vineyards are hosting the Wessington Wassail in their orchard, boasting a bonfire, barbeques, wines, ales, ciders, a flaming torch procession and, of course, the appearance of the Wassailing Bowl. Book your tickets ahead of the event. Click here for more information.

Devon

Cornwood Wassail

The Cornwood Inn, Ivybridge
Jan 1st, 2023
3pm onwards

Gather the whole family and welcome the new year in Devon! The Cornwood Wassail starts with Morris dancing from Dartmoor Border Morris in the village square before the wassail itself in the Millennium Orchard. Toast & ribbons will be tied to the trees, blessings given, and kids of all ages will be encouraged to bang pot and pans. Food will be available afterwards in the village pub. Click here for more information.

Landkey Community Orchard Wassail

Millennium Green, Landkey, EX32 0QP
Jan 7th, 2023
5pm onwards

One of three community wassails in collaboration with Wren Music. Not a lot of details are available but keep an eye on the website if you’re local and hoping to pop along. Click here for more information.

Wassail!

The Bay Horse Inn, Totnes
Jan 7th, 2023
3.30pm onwards

Join the good folk of The Bay Horse for their annual mini-wassail. Assemble in the pub before wandering up and bless the trees in the community orchard at Colwell Wood, then back to the pub for Apple Cake, cider, songs and tunes! It’s a BYO noise maker, drum, clacker, or saucepan situation, but libation is provided… Click here for more information.

Buckland Abbey Wassail

Buckland Abbey, Yelverton, PL20 6EY
Jan 8th, 2023
1pm onwards

Join Dartmoor Border Morris to wake the apple trees, scare off evil spirits and ensure a good crop of apples in the year ahead, all in the company of the National Trust. The wassail begins with a Mummer’s play in the Great Barn, followed by a procession up to the orchard. It’s a free event, but you’ll have to pay to enter the Abbey if you’re not a National Trust member. Click here for more information.

St Sidwell’s Wassail

Sidwell Street, Exeter
Jan 13th, 2023
5pm-7pm

One of three community wassails in collaboration with Wren Music. Not a lot of details are available but keep an eye on the website if you’re local and hoping to pop along. Click here for more information.

Okehampton Wassail

Okehampton Community Gardens
Jan 14th, 2023
5pm-7pm

One of three community wassails in collaboration with Wren Music. Not a lot of details are available but keep an eye on the website if you’re local and hoping to pop along. Click here for more information.

Soapbox Wassail & Ceilidh

Soapbox Children’s Theatre, Plymouth
Jan 14th, 2023
5:30pm-9pm

A wassail and family ceilidh with Stiltskin Theatre Company & Rackham’s Ruin Ceilidh Band. Dress up as tree sprites, faeries and elves (optional for parents!), join Jack Frost and help wake the apple trees in The Spellbound Wood, before an evening of dancing. Free parking close by AND licensed bar serving spiced cider, jacket potatoes, homemade soup, delicious cakes, gingerbread men and hot and cold drinks. Yum. Click here for more information.

Halstow Wassail

Tedburn St Mary
Jan 14th, 2023
Time TBC

Some of these old, traditional, deepest-darkest-Devonshire wassails keep themselves to themselves, but we have it on good authority that the trees which produce the apples for Gray’s Devon Cider will be wassailed on the 14th. That’s all we’ve got though. No further information at this time… Click here to visit Gray’s website.

Whimple Wassail

Whimple
Jan 17th, 2023
Time TBC

One of the oldest and most venerated of England’s wassails, the Whimple Wassail was noted by Sabine Baring-Gould in his book, Devon Characters and Strange Events, published in 1908, suggesting that it was already an old tradition when he first happened upon it. Always hosted on the old Twelfth Night, the event has its own incantation and song, and is presided over by a group of official gunmen, there to provide extra oomph when it comes to spirit-scaring noise generation. Jim Causley is a regular singer at the Whimple Wassail, and recorded a version of the traditional song on his 2010 album, Fruits of the Earth. Click here for more information.

Venton’s Wassail

Clyst St Lawrence
Jan 20th, 2023
Time TBC

We don’t have much information about this wassail, except that king of the wassail song Jim Causley himself will be in attendance. Best to keep checking the Venton’s Devon Cyder website for more specifics, and get your wellies at the ready. Click here for more information.

Littlehempston Wassail

Near Totnes
Jan 21st, 2023
4pm onwards

Wassailing in Littlehempston Community Orchard, where 20 new fruit trees were wassailed a year or so ago. Time to see how they’re getting on. Expect cider, Dartington Morris, and perhaps a Green Man, Wassail King and Queen and a lantern parade. Click here for more information.

Sandford Wassail

Sandford, Crediton
Jan 21st, 2023
6.30pm onwards

Join the villagers of Sandford as they prepare to process, wassail, and generally make merry. Everyone welcome – the procession leaves the Parish Hall at 6.35pm. A wassail ceremony will be followed by songs and tunes in the Lamb Inn. All in all, this sounds like a lovely evening out! Worth noting that this year’s wassail isn’t taking place at Sandford Orchards, as in the past, with the good cider-making folk on hand to assist in the village instead this year.

Pruning and Wassail

Tiverton Community Orchard
Jan 28th, 2023
1-3pm

Celebrate the newly planted orchard (just behind Morrisons in Tiverton) by giving the young trees a prune – led by experienced forester Dave Wood – and join the team for a bit of a wassail to toast the trees fruitfulness for the future! Click here for more information.

Stoke Gabriel Wassail

Near Totnes
Jan 28th, 2023
4pm-10pm

After the unavoidable cancellation of their 2022 wassail, it’s great to see the return of wassailing to Stoke Gabriel! As well as the traditional apple tree blessing, you can probably expect music, dance, local fare, including hot mulled scrumpy, and even a Mummers play. It really has got the lot! Tickets available on the gate. Click here for more information.

Dorset

Bridport Community Orchard

Bridport
Jan 15th, 2023
2pm-3.30pm

No more information currently available about this year’s event, but worth keeping an eye on the orchard’s website for any extra details. Until then, enjoy the mystery… Click here for more information (when available).

Poundbury Heritage Orchard

Middle Farm Way, Poundbury
Jan 15th, 2023
2pm onward

Transition Town Dorchester are hosting the wassail in Poundbury, and you’re invited to sing to the apple trees to ensure productivity and drive away evil spirits. Works every time. Take along some apple juice or cider to toast the trees, and something to make a racket with. The more noise the better! Click here for more information.

Chalmington Wassail

The Orchard, Chalmington
Jan 21st, 2023
3pm onwards

Celebrated storyteller and author Martin Maudsely will be telling stories from 4pm before leading the torchlit wassail ceremony around 5pm. The Community cider produced on Apple Day last October will be available on the bar, with all proceeds going to the local community fund. Wood-fired pizzas and apple-fed pulled pork will be available from 5:30-8:30pm. There will also be book signings from Liz Copas (The Lost Orchards) and Martin Maudsely (Telling the seasons) and entertainment from The Woodlanders. Take an instrument if you’d like to get involved in the open mic Folk Jam. Bring torches, noise making equipment and be ready to have your spirits lifted! Click here for more information.

East Sussex

Twelfth Night at The Albion

The Albion, Hastings
Jan 6th, 2023
7pm onwards

“A rollicking traditional Twelfth Night party with ceremony, Wassail, mummers and a band.” There’s not a lot to argue with there. Get yourselves along and check out the party. Click here for more information.

Wassail 2023

The Royal Oak & Castle Inn, Pevensey
Jan 7th, 2023
5.30pm-11pm

It’s, and I quote, “BACK BABY” – after two years away, this annual wassail returns and along with it, Pentacle Drummers. The event raises funds for St Wilfrid’s Hospice and includes a torchlit procession to the wassail site and a traditional wassail. As it’s supported by not one, but three local bonfire societies, we suspect there might be some naked flames involved. Click here for more information.

Rattlebag Wassail at The Stag

The Stag Inn, Hastings
Jan 7th, 2023
7:30pm onwards

In the first of two wassail appearances, Rattlebag will be singing wassailing songs to the apple tree in the garden at The Stag. Get ready to join then in a wassail chant to clear bad spirits and awaken the tree. There will also be Border Morris dancing, singing and a music session throughout the evening. Click here for more information.

Rattlebag Wassail

The Red Lion, Rye
Jan 14th, 2023
7pm onwards

A second chance to see and hear Rattlebag in action – they started this wassail in 2022 and it must have been a hit! You’re welcome to join the local pub community and Border Morris Dancers to awaken the spirit of The Red Lion apple tree with song, chant, and cider,. Flaming torches are also promised. Click here for more information.

Wassail at the Robin Hood

Icklesham
Jan 14th, 2023
5pm-10pm

With a great range of ciders available, expect toasts a-plenty at the Robin Hood wassail. There’ll also be dancing from Sussex Junction Morris and a traditional Mummers play from The Hollington Tipteerers. Pack some kind of noise-maker to join in scaring away the evil spirits (horns, bells, old tin cans… anything that can be banged on, blown, bashed, rung or rattled when required). There’s a suggestion that it’s bound to be wet and muddy so you might not want to wear those expensive suede boots! Click here for more information.

Traditional Tudor Wassail at Michelham Priory

Michelham Priory, Hailsham, BN27 3QS
Jan 21st, 2023
3pm and 6pm

Held at Michelham Priory, a site which has history dating back 800 years, two wassailing events are being held – a family-friendly wassail from 3pm to 5pm, and an adult-only wassail from 6pm to 9pm. Bring along a musical instrument, decorate yourself in foliage and feathers and join the torchlit procession to wake the apple trees from their slumber. Click here for more information.

Bignose and Beardy Wassail

The Cidery, Framfield
Jan 21st, 2023
4pm-7pm

It’s time to bless The Cidery’s orchard for the first time since 2019! Chase away the evil spirits and try your hand at a variety of makings, tastings, fun and games. Dress warmly and bring something to bang, blow or strum (but do leave your pets at home) – there’ll be a delicious assortment of ciders and sausages available too. Click here for more information.

Wassailing: an introduction and workshop

The Horse and Groom, St Leonards
Feb 3rd, 2023
7pm onwards

In case you missed their two wassail appearances (see above), Rattlebag are back to spread the wassailing word even further with an introduction to the tradition and a workshop of wassailing songs. Join them in the back room of the Horse and Groom in Hastings to find out more. Be prepared to “drink and sing”! Click here for more information.

Essex

Hainault Forest Wassail 2023

Hainault Forest, Chigwell, IG7 4QN
Jan 14th, 2023
11am onwards

Join the wassailers in Hainault Forest this January, celebrating orchards, awakening fruit trees, and encouraging a good future harvest. This year they will begin their celebrations with a family volunteer day, mulching and formative pruning of their orchards while enjoying stories from the storyteller, Rich Stories. Then they will make delicious caramelised apples around the campfire, accompanied by music from their volunteers and lots of warm apple juice and cider. They will finish their Wassail with a traditional procession led by Rich Stories. Click here to book tickets.

Waltham Abbey Gardens

Waltham Abbey
Jan 14th, 2023
3:30pm onwards

Get your good selves down to Waltham Abbey Gardens where, rumour has it, you’ll be able to enjoy such delights as Morris Dancing, bonfires, traditional village fete games and a range of food and drink (including Mulled Cider). Pop along with your pots, pans, tin cans, whistles… really anything to make a racket and drive bad spirits away! New for this year: a Best Decorated Hat Competition (judged at 5:10pm, goodie bag up for grabs). We. Are. Sold. Click here for more information.

Big Bear Wassail

The Big Bear Cider Mill
Tumblers Green
Jan 14th, 2023
4pm onwards

This is the second Big Bear Wassail, intended to bless the trees, bring good fortune to the orchard and ensure a good batch of Big Bear cider in 2023. The Green Man will be visiting again, and there will be a procession and plenty of noise. The Tap Room will be opening and serving sparkling, real and mulled cider, and there will be pizza pop-up for the peckish. There will be children’s activities prior to the procession, and Dark Horse Morris will be in attendance. Click here for more information.

St Laurence Orchard Wassail

St Laurence Lane, Southend-on-Sea
Jan 22nd, 2023
2pm-3pm

Take your chance to celebrate nature and community, sing traditional songs and awaken the trees ready for spring at the historic St Laurence Orchard, which is 100 years young! It’s maintained by the local mental health and wellbeing charity, Trust Links, who welcome one and all for some fresh air and a jolly nice time. Click here for more information.

Glamorgan

Community Wassail

Railway Gardens, Cardiff
Jan 21st, 2023
1pm-2pm

An apple tree wassail to bless some new fruit trees, and give them a helping hand to bear well into the future. Storyteller Cath Little will lead you in some wassail songs, and regale you with the story of the Old Apple Tree Man while you enjoy warming mulled apple juice. Click here for more information.

Gloucestershire

Berry Hill Community Orchard

Berry Hill, near Coleford
Jan 13th, 2023
3.30pm onwards

This is a free, family event, to bless the trees with songs and merriment. Cider and Ribena will be available, so bring along your percussion instruments, funnest headdresses and battery-operated lights and enjoy the event. Click here for more information.

Cinderford Grows Wassail

Steam Mills Community Orchard, Cinderford
Jan 14th, 2023
4pm-8pm

Welcoming the Steam Mills Community Orchard to the wassailing circuit! Join them to wish the trees good health for the year ahead, by raising a glass of apple juice and banging your pots and pans. Wrap up warm, wear sturdy footwear, and pop a torch in your pocket. Click here for more information.

Hampshire

Wassail into the Heckfield Orchard

Heckfield Place
Jan 7th, 2023
2.45pm-4.15pm

Get your tickets now for the Heckfield Wassail, heralding the start of the new year in their estate orchard. Basingclog Morris will be in attendance and spiced apple drink will be available. It’s a bit of a walk from the parking, so get your boots on, and bring a coat in case of rain. Click here for more Information.

Hartley Wintney Wassail

Hook
Jan 13th, 2023
6.45pm onwards

The Hartley Wintney Wassail has been an annual event since 2000, when the Vaughan Millennium Orchard project was completed. The evening starts with a performance by the Hook Eagle Morris Men outside of the Waggon and Horses pub. There is then a torch lit procession along the High Street to the Vaughan Millennium Orchard where a free glass of cider or apple juice is given to all attendees for the blessing. The Hook Eagle Morris Men perform the blessing. The Hartley Wintney Wassail is a consistently popular annual event in the village, with people of all ages attending and enjoying the event! Click here for more information.

Chawton House

Chawton House, Alton, GU34 1SJ
Jan 14th, 2023
5pm onwards

Enjoy a warming serving of soup in the Chawton House courtyard before processing through the grounds to the orchard in the Walled Garden, where this wassail will ward off the bad spirits. Bring along an instrument or anything that will help make a noise to add to the festivities. Special guests, the Kings Pond Shantymen, will gee things up with some lively traditional songs. Ticket cost includes soup and a mulled cider. Click here for more information.

Shortheath Common

Shortheath Common, Bordon, GU35 9JP
Jan 17th, 2023
2pm onwards

Join the Heathland Rangers in a toast to nature and celebration of nature and the seasons. Please wear suitable footwear as some parts of this walk can be muddy and boggy. Toast will be provided, but please bring your own refreshments. Meet at the Shortheath Pond Car park, Oakhanger. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact heathlands@southdowns.gov.uk. Click here for more information.

Butser Ancient Farm

Charlton Lane, Waterlooville, PO8 0BG
Jan 20th, 2023
6:30pm onwards

Gather after sundown and follow the Wassail Queen in a torchlit procession through time. She’ll be joined by the Prize Old Mummers, and Hook Eagle Morris will lead a merry dance. There will be a bar selling locally produced cider, mead and a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Hot drinks and snacks will also be available. Click here for more information.

Petersfield Community Orchard

Petersfield Railway Station, Station Road, GU32 3EE
Jan 22nd, 2023
1pm onwards

Throughout the year the folks down at the Petersfield Community Orchard are busy bees. They start the job of pruning the orchard in celebration of what they claim is National Wassailing Day (we can’t find any other evidence of this being the case). This is no ordinary pruning ceremony as it will be accompanied by warm, mulled apple juice, other edible treats from the orchard and music from Petersfield Community Choir. Click here for more information.

Herefordshire

Burton Court

Eardisland
Jan 6th, 2023
7pm onwards

Leominster Morris have been running an annual wassail since 1983, stopping only in 2021 for the pandemic lockdown, making this their 40th (intended) wassailing year. Visitors will be given their own safely-lit torch, cider-soaked toast will be placed in trees, The Hereford Lantern shall be ignited, and a ring of 12 fires sparked up. Expect dancing and song, and a real sense of age-old occasion. Click here for more information.

Westons Cider

Much Markle
Jan 7th, 2022
6:30pm-10:30pm

Organised in conjunction with Westons Cider, there’ll be “apple juice” aplenty for this traditional wassail. One of the country’s longest-running Border Morris sides, Silurian Morris, will be dancing up a rumpus at 7pm, followed by an atmospheric procession into the orchard. The event is now ticketed to keep numbers at a manageable level, with all proceeds going to St Michael’s Hospice. “Silurian would like to remind all participants that there is darkness, mud, cold and REAL fire involved – come prepared!” Click here for more information.

Blackthorn Wassail

Newton
Jan 21st 2023
4:30pm-8pm

Hosted by Blackthorn Border Morris, a side formed as recently as 2019, at The Chapel of Apple, this is sure to be a wild wassail. Unfortunately for you, if you haven’t already got a ticket, you’re probably not getting in as it’s already sold out!

Bredwardine & Brobury Wassail

The Red Lion, Bredwardine
Jan 21st, 2023
7pm onwards

Meet outside the front of the pub and let Foxwhelp Morris take you on a traditional wassailing journey. There will be singing, dancing, drinking and general merriment, all for just £5. That gets you a drink, soup and a roll, and access to the cash bar in the village hall. Click here for more information.

Kent

Victoria Park and Community Orchard

Ashford
Jan 7th, 2023
4pm-8pm

Music from Ashford Folk and dancing by East Kent Morris will entertain you before the procession to the community orchard, after which there will be toasting and blessing of the fruit trees. You can expect torches, singing and much revelry, which will continue in the marquee afterwards, where food and drink will be available to purchase. Click here for more information.

Wassail at The Bell Inn

St Nicholas-at-Wade, Birchington
Jan 7th, 2023
7pm-11pm

Continuing the long tradition of wassailing in Kent, a packed evening is planned at The Bell. You’re advised to take along anything you can bang, blow or rattle, and to get the drinks in before the wassail proper begins at 7.30pm. They’re also hoping for a good music session afterwards, so instrumentalists should come prepared! Click here for more information.

Lancashire

Wassailing with The Order of Celtic Wolves

Accrington
Jan 22nd, 2023
2pm onwards

A walk through the woodland with The Order of Celtic Wolves to ward off the evil spirits and sing to the trees. Click here for more information.

Lincolnshire

Stamford Community Orchard

Stamford
Jan 7th, 2023
4:30pm onwards

Rutland Morris and the Woven Chords Choir will be providing enough noise and mayhem to keep the evil orchard spirits at bay for another year, and Mark Fraser will tell some tall tales. Bring your saucepans, your wooden spoons, and your head torches, and help the Wassail King and Queen ensure a prosperous 2023 harvest. Click here for more information.

Skidbrooke Waes-hal

Cabourne Parva
Jan 15th, 2023
11am onwards

After a good first wassail at their new location, Grimsby Morris will be visiting Cabourne Parva again for dancing, songs and stories, a performance of this year’s Plough Play (colour us intrigued…), as well as food and drink, of course. Click here for more information.

Ketton Orchard

Hall Close, Ketton
Jan 21st, 2023
4:15pm onwards

Bring your pots, pans and voices, and join Rutland Morris and the Ketton Community Choir as they parade into the Community Orchard to bless the trees with toasts, dancing and singing (and the traditional kitchenware percussion). Mulled cider and apple juice should be available.

Bourne Community Woods

Bourne Woods
Jan 21st, 2023
4.30pm onwards

The Friends of Bourne Woods once again invite you to their wassail, requesting that you bring torches, lanterns, warm clothing, saucepans and wooden spoons, and your own (wassailing) cup. Bourne Borderers will be in attendance and dancing for the assembled crowd. Evil orchard spirits absolutely not welcome and you’re advised to wear sturdy footwear as the orchard can get muddy. Click here for more information.

London

Wassailing in The Wilderness

Croydon
Jan 7th, 2023
10am-3pm

In celebration of Twelfth Night, join the team from The Wilderness and Black Swan Border Morris to wassail the apple trees. Everyone welcome, including well-behaved dogs. Visitors can choose which team they would like to march for, the Holly King or the Oak King, before they do ‘battle’ for the Winter Solstice. Children (and grown ups) can make crowns to wear during the festivities and light refreshments will be available. Click here for more information.

ChART Big Local Wassail

Chinbrook Allotments, Marvels Lane, SE12 9PU
Jan 7th, 2023
1pm onwards

This wassail takes place in London during the daytime, so don’t come expecting torches or gunfire. A community event organised by ChART Big Local, there will be a procession at 2.30pm from the allotments to the WG Grace Community Centre. Click here for more information.

Wassail in the Pleasaunce

East Greenwich Pleasaunce, Greenwich
Jan 8th, 2023
1pm onwards

Organised by Pip!, with the Greenwich Morris Men, traditional songs from Halstow Community Choir led by Penny Gunstone, and stories connecting the Wassail to the oldest residents of the Pleasaunce: the sailors who lie beneath it in the Victorian burial ground. Lively processional percussion is very welcome – BYO pots and pans. Make the most of your trip by visiting the cafe, which we’ve heard serves a fine brunch. Click here for more information.

We Are Wassailing

The Electric Elephant Cafe, Crampton Street
Jan 12th, 2023
8pm-10pm

A folklore talk about the different kinds of wassail, with some singing thrown in for good measure. Ideal for anyone who’d like to find out more about the practice and traditions without getting even vaguely muddy or chilly. Pay-what-you-wish, and do reserve a spot. Click here for more information.

Apple Yowling at the Ferry Boat Inn

Ferry Lane, Tottenham Hale
Jan 15th, 2023
5pm onwards

Your chance to wassail the oldest apple orchard in Waltham Forest! Visit the 17th-century, English Heritage-listed Ferry Boat Inn for lots of traditional entertainment, spiced cider and singing. You’ll want your thermals, your voices, your pots and pans, and your best songs. There are usually two or more Morris sides in attendance, and a fun, child-friendly apple wassail follows the dancing. Pub food will also be available. Click here for more information.

Hackney Wassail

Hackney Downs, Millfield Park and Springfield Park, Hackney
Jan 21st, 2023
12pm onwards

This daylight community wassail is here to cheer up Hackney’s trees, and will take you on a gentle walk of about 2 miles if you decide to visit all three locations. There’s the chance to learn some wassailing songs, while the chosen trees enjoy a libation of mulled cider to encourage a good harvest. There won’t be any gunfire, and mulled apple juice, cider and apple themed nibbles will be available. You’re welcome to join for some or all of the festivities, and do take along a friend and a noisemaker. Children, and dogs on leads very welcome. Click here for more information.

One Tree Hill Allotments Wassail

Honor Oak Park
Jan 21st, 2023
2.30pm onwards

For the last 15 years or so, people have been meeting on One Tree Hill Allotments to wassail the fruit trees and make merry. Take along something to make noise, some juice or cider, and wear your sturdy footwear. There won’t be gunfire (it’s frowned upon in SE23) but the event is still sure to go off with a bang… Click here for more information.

The Fellowship Inn Wassail

Randlesdown Road, Bellingham
Jan 22nd, 2023
4pm onwards.

The newly re-opened Fellowship Inn is hosting their first ever wassail! What with them being a pub and not an orchard, it’ll be less ‘shotguns and fire’ and more ‘cider and singing’ (consumption of one will proportionally affect the quantity of the other, we imagine). The local Morris side, Quaggy Morris, and neighbours, Brixton Tatterjacks, will add to the occasion with their joyful leaps and raucous renditions of some wassailing bangers. We’ve heard that, if you’re quick, the famous Fellowship roast dinners will be available. Once they’re gone, they’re gone, though… Waes hael! Click here for more information.

Morden Hall Park

Morden Park
Jan 28th, 2023
2pm onwards

Bring family and friends, lovers of nature, of crumble pies and cider to make some noise, music and magic. Join the National Trust wassailing specialists as they bless the orchard for the coming year’s crop. The wassailing will end with a glass of cider-based wassail drink (or apple juice), brewed from a secret recipe, and a toast for the apple harvest to come. Click here for more information.

Forty Hall Farm Orchard

Enfield
Jan 29th, 2023
1:30-3pm

Alongside the usual bashing of pots and pans to awaken the apple trees, this North London wassail will involve an appearance by local Enfield Mummers, as well as poetry and a warming fire. Gather together to toast the toast. Click here for more information.

Brixton Wassail

Brixton Orchard, SW2 5RW
Feb 5th, 2023
1:30pm onwards

This traditional wassail features dances and a few songs by the wonderful Brixton Tatterjacks and friends. Help them to wake the trees and encourage a bountiful autumn harvest. This is an all-welcome, family-friendly event. Hot mulled drinks will be available. Click here for more information.

Merseyside

Squash Wassail

Grapes Community Food Garden, Windsor Street, Liverpool
Jan 18th, 2023
11am onwards

At Squash, the apple trees are a key partner in their 100-year vision – which began with their planting in the Grapes Community Food Garden in 2010 – because, if nurtured, an apple tree can live for up to 100 years. Their love of wassailing comes from a shared passion for ritual, being close to nature & community and feeling embodied in the seasons. You’ll be singing round the fire, banging pots & pans, sharing soup, blessing the trees with apple juice & toast, and welcoming the new annual guardians of the orchard. Click here for more information.

Norfolk

Elsing Wassail

St Mary’s Church, Elsing
Jan 7th, 2023
6.45pm onwards

Join the procession from St Mary’s church to the allotment orchard, where the Apple Queen will proffer cider to the tree roots and everyone will be invited to participate in speaking words to encourage a fruitful year. Toast will be placed on the branches of the tree and plenty of noise will be made with pots and pans to awaken the spirit of the trees. Basically, your classic wassail. We love to see it. Click here for more information.

Northumberland

Dilston Physic Garden

Corbridge
Jan 15th, 2023
2pm-5pm

Exploring “earth-centred spiritual heritage, symbolically celebrating the wheel of the year”, this wassail, run by local druids, aims to focus our attention to the importance of our relationship with nature. You’re advised to dress appropriately for the weather, and to bring snacks if you might get peckish. Admission is free but bookable in advance, and donations are welcomed. Click here for more information.

Nottinghamshire

Sherwood Forest Wassail

Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre, Edwinstowe
22nd Jan, 2023
1.30pm onwards

Channel your inner Prince of Thieves (or Men in Tights) and follow the Sheriff of Nottingham in a wassail parade through Sherwood Forest. You’ll need your pots and pans, and to be prepared to make plenty of noise to frighten off the bad spirits, wake up the mighty Major Oak, and bless it for the coming year. Click here for more information.

Oxfordshire

Headington Wassail

Oxford
Dec 28th, 2022
6pm onwards

This season community wassail (rather than an apple/cider wassail) will start with a rehearsal for players/singers at 84 Sandfield Rd, OX3 7RL, followed by a procession up the road before gathering around the Wassail Bowl. There will be wassail songs from the UK tradition, with some specific to Oxford, and a chance to learn more about the songs. The Wassail is run by Oxford based group, Moonrakers. Further information from 01865 769206.

The Brightwell Wassail

Brightwell-cum-Sotwell orchards
Near Wallingford
Jan 8th, 2023
3pm onwards

An annual wassail takes place on the old Twelfth Night in Brightwell-cum-Sotwell, visiting the various village orchards to awaken the trees. Pots and pans will be beaten, and toast dipped in locally made cider will be hung, as is traditional. What else to expect? How about a procession with music, morris dancing, a mummers play, and belly dancers? Not to mention the Brightwell Song. What a way to start the year! Click here for more information.

Eynsham Peace Oak Community Orchard Wassail

Peace Oak Orchard, Eynsham
Jan 14th, 2023
3pm onwards

“The name Peace Oak refers to a remarkable Oak Tree planted in November 1919 one year after the armistice that ended the First World War.” Visit the community orchard to see and hear Eynsham Morris and a local choir, and to enjoy mulled cider and home-cooked food. Click here for more information.

Woodstock Community Woodland and Orchard Wassail

Manor Road, Woodstock
Jan 22nd, 2023
3pm onwards

Join the local community for music, singing and noise, misguided by Eynsham Morris, making their second appearance of the wassail year. They’ll have had time to practise in Eynsham before they get to Woodstock so there’s sure to be some top notch dancing! Click here for more information.

Scottish Borders

Crailing Community Orchard Wassail

Crailing, near Jedburgh
Jan 29th, 2023
2.30pm onwards

The Crailing Community Orchard Wassail begins with a procession around the orchard led by the Wassail Lass and Lad, accompanied by a harmonica tune and much banging and clanging of pots and pans. The procession stops at an old Discovery apple tree for a Wassail incantation, for toast to be hung and for the singing of the Wassail Song, written by singer/songwriter Rory McLeod, which invokes the names of the apple varieties in the orchard. Finally, it’s time to partake in some apple-based treats, both liquid and baked! Click here for more information.

Somerset

Yate Wassail

Yate and District Heritage Centre, Bristol
Dec 13th, 2022
6:30pm onwards

Th good people of Yate will be having a go at reviving the South Gloucestershire wassail tradition – this means no apple trees, but reports suggest there might be a visiting bull…! Meet on the green outside the Heritage Centre (or inside the centre if its raining). If you want to do your homework beforehand, look up the Wassail Song [Roud 209] which was collected by Cecil Sharp from the singing of Isaac Bennett, just a couple of miles away in Little Sodbury. Mulled cider, mince pies and friendly chat available afterwards. Click here for more information.

Shurton Wassail

The Babbling Brook Inn, Shurton, Bridgwater
Jan 7th, 2023
1.30pm onwards

The Big Noise Street Band are leading the way at the Shurton Wassail, so join them to toast the trees and promote a good apple crop for the coming year. Rumour has it that they love a good wassail in Shurton. Click here for more information.

Horfield Organic Community Orchard

Bristol
Jan 14th, 2023
2pm-4pm

All are welcome to toast the Horfield Organic Community Orchard for a fruitful harvest later in the year. Homemade cakes and mulled apple juice will be on sale, and you’re advised to bring all manner of shining things to dress the trees. Lovely stuff. Click here for more information.

Bath City Farm

Whiteway, Bath
Jan 14th, 2023
3pm-4pm

A wassail to guarantee good crops at the farm for the coming autumn. The hot chocolate at Bath City Farm is said to be excellent (don’t forget to take your own cup or mug along), but you’ll be here for the drumming, the shouting, and the hurling of toast into the branches of the apple trees, won’t you? Booking essential. Click here for more information.

Bere Cider Company Wassail

Woodpecker Lodge, Langport
Jan 14th, 2023
5pm-11pm

The annual Wassail, hosted by the Bere Cider Company, with Dr Tubervilles Morris Dancers in attendance and live music from The Somerset Paddies. Click here for more information.

Stogumber Wassail

Stogumber Village Hall, near Taunton
Jan 14th, 2023
6pm onwards

An evening of two parts – all welcome at the beacon lighting and wassail in Beacon Field at 6pm, followed by supper and dancing at the Village Hall (for which a ticket is required). This event is hosted by the Stoggymen, so you can expect songs aplenty. Get your dancing tickets from the village stores, and wrap up warm. Click here for more information.

Somerset Rural Life Museum

Glastonbury
Jan 14th, 2023
6:45pm for a 7:30pm start

This Glastonbury wassail takes place in the 14th-century Abbey Barn at the Somerset Rural Life Museum. Aiming for a good apple crop in the coming year, the ceremonies will focus on the blessing of the oldest tree in the neighbouring orchard. The Master of Ceremonies is Les Davies MBE, known for his orchard expertise, and there will be a crowning of the Wassail King or Queen. Booking is essential. Click here for more information.

Rich’s Cider Wassail

Watchfield, Highbridge
Jan 14th, 2022
7:30pm onwards

What better place to hold a wassail than in a cider brewery in Somerset? And, as if blessing the trees for a good harvest isn’t reason enough, Rich’s Cider’s event is always in aid of charity – this year they’re supporting Cancer Research. The loud noises will be provided by shotguns and The Skimmy Hitchers. Note that tickets are only on sale in advance and will not be available on the night. Click here for more information.

Redcatch Community Garden Wassail

Redcatch Park, Knowle
Jan 15th, 2023
1pm onwards

This afternoon, family event is now in its second year, with an orchard of saplings which will one day grow into mature trees and bear fruit for the whole community to enjoy. As these are only baby trees, there will be no gunshots, but plenty of pots and pan percussion. The event begins with a harmony singing workshop led by local choir, Heartwood Chorus, followed by the procession to, and blessing of, the trees. Food and drink will be available. Join your neighbours for a good old singsong and meet likeminded people in the community. Click here for more information.

Abbey Orchard Wassail

Glastonbury Abbey
Jan 15th, 2023
2pm-3:30pm

The return of the Abbey Orchard Wassail! Expect singing, toast, and cider (or apple juice), made from Glastonbury Abbey apples. Entry is by admission to the Abbey itself, and the wassail is included in your ticket price. Click here for more information.

Carhampton Wassail

Carhampton Community Orchard, near Dunster
Jan 17th, 2023
6.30pm onwards

Boasting an impressive collection of 37 varieties of apple tree, there’ll be plenty to wassail about in Carhampton this January. The twinkly Christmas lights will be illuminating the trees, and there’s a chance West Somerset Morris may be popping in, but this was unconfirmed at the time of writing. (This is my local wassail so I look forward to finding out. Ed.) Click here for more information.

Dunster Wassail

Buttercross Community Orchard, Dunster, TA24 6RS
Jan 17th, 2023
7:30pm onwards

Gunfire, cake and cider… what more could you ask for from a jolly Somerset wassail? The evening will end with a torchlit procession through Dunster, finishing up with drinks and storytelling at the Forester’s Arms. Click here for more information.

The Pigpen

Over Stratton
Jan 20th, 2023
6:30pm onwards

Hearty, home-cooked food is the order of the day at The Pigpen, a gathering space that specialises in outdoor feasts, and you’re invited to celebrate the turning of the year with them. Booking is essential – get in there early to avoid disappointment. Click here for more information.

Barley Wood Orchard Wassail

Barley Wood Walled Garden, Wrington
Jan 21st, 2023
6pm onwards

Light the dark nights of winter with an orchard celebration, complete with fires, musical performances, a torchlit procession and ceremony in the orchard, plus Barley Wood’s own mulled cider, juice and other drinks from the cider taproom. Click here for more information.

Jubilee Wood Wassail

Hinton St George
Jan 21st, 2023
6:15pm onwards

After a successful 2021 event, the Jubilee Wood Wassail will open at 6:15pm for free spicy mulled cider and apple juice, followed at 6.30pm by a procession led by the Lord of Misrule and Lyme Morris along a candlelit path to the centre of the wood. Here you’ll be entertained by Lyme Morris and rousing wassail songs. The Lord of Misrule will close the ceremony by presentation of cider and toast to the guardian tree, followed by a cacophony of sound to frighten the devil away and ensure a good apple harvest next year. Click here for more information.

Sheppy’s Cider Wassail

Sheppy’s House of Cider, Taunton
Jan 27th, 2023
5:30pm-10pm

Sheppy’s make awfully good cider, so we have high hopes for their wassail. They’re also the only wassailers on this list to promise “chanting”, alongside the usual dancing and tree libations, which makes them sound ever-so-slightly dark and Pagan. Get involved – tickets essential! Click here for more information.

Harry’s Cider Wassail

Littlefield Farm, Long Sutton
Jan 28th, 2023
7pm-11pm

Harry’s Cider will be hosting their annual Wassail at Littlefield Farm. Food and drink will be available, as well as entertainment from local Morris Dancers, followed by a “Pagan Wassail” held in the orchard. Not content with that wholesome evening, there will also be live entertainment in the barn afterwards. As is the way with these things, you’re going to want sturdy footwear and warm clothes to keep the chill at bay. Get your tickets online. Click here for more information.

Community Farm Wassail

Chew Magna
Feb 5th, 2023
1pm-3pm

Gather around the fire and learn traditional Wassail songs with folk singer-songwriter Susanna Waters (no talent or experience necessary, just enthusiasm!). There’ll be craft opportunities and a bar selling local ciders, organic apple juice, hot drinks and seasonal sustenance designed by local food wizards Wild Thyme Kitchen, so make sure arrive peckish! Click here for more information.

Godney Wassail

Godney Village Hall, Lower Godney, BA5 1RZ
Feb 11th, 2023
6pm onwards

Expect mulled cider (or apple juice), lantern juggling, the presentation of a wassail king and queen, a licensed bar, plus fish’n’chips. If you want to join the wassail itself, you’ll be needing tickets. For more information and tickets, click here.

Suffolk

Sweffling White Horse Wassail

Low Road, Sweffling
Jan 19th, 2023
7:30pm onwards

This wassail is a long-standing tradition in the local area. The evening starts with a slow, torch-lit procession by Old Glory Molly through the village down to the pub, followed by some very serious Molly dancing. Then everyone heads off again to Old Glory’s apple tree for a toast to the season. We think it probably has to be seen to be believed. The pub is open from 7pm, so get there nice and early to get the ciders in before the main event kicks off. Click here for more information.

Surrey

Dorking Wassail

Dorking Community Orchard
Jan 14th, 2023
Time TBC

We haven’t got any extra information about this wassail yet, but pop the date in your diary and keep your eyes peeled for more details. Click here for more information.

Tyne and Wear

Whitley Bay Community Allotment Wassail

Waggonways, Whitley Bay
Jan 8th, 2023
1.30pm-3pm

The Whitley Bay green goddess will bless the trees for a good harvest in 2023, as long as you join her to make some noise and drive the evil spirits out. There will also be music and singing, accompanied by special guests, local folk group Juniper Friday. Click here for more information.

Warwickshire

Wassailing at Hill Close Gardens

Hill Close Gardens Trust, Warwick
Jan 14th, 2023
6-9pm

A traditional Wassail hosted by the High Sheriff of Warwickshire with music, morris dancing and a delicious pig roast at the restored Hill Close Gardens, the hidden hedged gardens of Warwick. Admission includes your warm Wassail cup and pig roast (Vegetarian options available), plus a cider bar, with proceeds going to local charities. Click here for more information.

West Sussex

Weald & Downland Living Museum

Chichester
Jan 15th, 2023
10:30am-4pm

A whole day of processions, music, songs, and performances. Plenty of noise to ensure a good apple harvest for the coming year. This is a ticketed event. See the museum website for lots of useful details. Click here for more information.

Wiltshire

Richard Jefferies Wassail

The Richard Jefferies Museum
Swindon
Jan 8th, 2023
1pm onwards

Now in its second year, this collaboration between the Richard Jefferies Museum and Swindon Folk Club promises Morris dancers for 2023! Pots, pans and drums are welcome, in the hope that they can wake up the apple trees. Click here for more information.

Warminster Community Orchard Wassail

Warminster
Jan 14th, 2023
6:30pm onwards

Everyone, young and old and everything in between, is welcome at this community wassail. There will be warm, spiced cider (yum), some singing, fire, and the customary tree blessings in the hope of another good harvest in 2023. Click here for more information.

Bradford on Avon Preservation Trust Wassail

Hens’ Community Orchard
Jan 28th, 2023
4pm onwards

Prepare to make a hullaballoo in the young orchard! Meet at the Tithe Barn at 4pm, and bring a torch and some kind of noise maker. They’re promising “Music, Singing, Morris, Mumming, Cider and Apple Cake”, which sounds like a great party, if ever we heard of one. Click here for more information.

Worcestershire

Headless Cross Community Orchard Wassail

Headless Cross Green, Redditch
Jan 7th, 2023
7pm onwards

It’s time for the annual wassail in the Headless Cross Community Orchard – meet at The Rocklands Car Park to prepare to wake up the orchard with a noisy procession and celebration of good health to the fruit trees. There will be Morris dancing from Nancy Butterfly, music from Arrow Valley Brass Band, and mulled cider & apple juice. Take your pots to bang, bells to ring and whistles to blow, as well as your noisiest neighbours and family members. Click here for more information.

The Fleece Inn

Bretforton
Jan 14th, 2023
5:30pm onwards

Get a real sense of history by attending the Fleece Inn’s annual wassail. Cider, Morris dancing, music and merriment guaranteed. This 15th-century pub is sure to have seen countless wassails in its time, and from dusk the apple orchard comes alive with cider, singing and Morris dancers. Join them to wake the trees and encourage a good harvest in preparation for next year’s cider. Fun for all the family and a brilliant way to dispel those winter blues! Click here for more information.

Yorkshire

Lord Conyers Morris Men’s Wassail

Wales Jubilee Sports and Social Club, Sheffield
Dec 17th, 2022
1:30pm

This annual Wassail will include dances from the Welsh Borders and the Lord Conyers’ Longsword dance outside, before everyone retires indoors for a session of local Sheffield carols. This will be followed by a Horn Dance at the Trysting Tree, Todwick from dusk (around 4 pm, weather permitting). It’s like the pick ‘n’ mix equivalent of folk traditions – a bit of everything! We think it sounds brilliant. Click here for more information.

Pickering Road Community Orchard

Kingston-Upon-Hull
Jan 8th, 2023
2pm onwards

Bring your lanterns and wear your brightest clothes to wassail the 350 trees and beat the bounds of the Pickering Road orchard. There will be a community choir, and if you’d like to join in with the singing, there’s a rehearsal on the 7th. Click here for more information.

Otley Chevin Orchard Project Wassail

Otley Chevin, near Leeds
21st Jan, 2023
2pm onwards

The Otley Chevin wassail is a BYOBBQB affair – that’s right, Bring-Your-Own-BBQ-Bits. Wharfedale Wayzgoose Border Morris will be presiding over proceedings, and cider or non-alcoholic apple juice hot toddy will be available, but do take your own food (which might include sausages for the BBQ…). And don’t forget your dancing wellies, singing voices and noise makers. Click here for more information.

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Europe

France

Pointy Head Cider Wassail

Aux-Aussat, Occitania
Jan 14th, 2023
7pm onwards

Join family, friends and neighbours in a local orchard to choose and bless a tree, representative of all the others, by dancing and singing around it. You’ll need to reserve a place if you’d like to attend. Speaking French might also help. Click here for more information.

USA

New York

Little Apple Cidery Wassail

Little Apple Cidery, Hillsdale
Jan 14th, 2023
6-8pm, EST

Join the Pokingbrook Morris Dancers for a bit of a song and dance at this outdoor, winter event. Bring your own noisemakers to scare away the evil spirits. You’ll need tickets, and they include food and drink – soup and sides by Aloha Tacos plus cider wassail punch. Sounds good to us! Click for more information and tickets.

Virginia

Wassail Party

Lost Boy Cider, Alexandria
Jan 13th, 2023
6-9pm, EST

Enjoy live music, floral crown-making and hot cider throughout the evening. There will be a Wassail sing-along at 7:30pm and then the “toasting” of the trees will follow. Toasty fire pits will keep you warm outside, along with the mulled cider! RSVP so the Lost Boys know you’re attending. Click here for more information.

Big Fish Cider Wassail

Spruce Street, Monterey
Feb 15th, 2023
5.30pm

Learn about ye olde English custom of wassailing the trees and then take part in scaring away the evil spirits, awakening the tree spirits. Afterwards there’ll be live music and merriment in the Cidery. Tickets available in tasting room or online. Click here for more information.