Grab some cider, a free hotdog and join the wassail celebration in Alcester on Saturday
AN ancient ceremony to bless the orchards is being brought back to life in Alcester on Saturday (3rd February).
A wassail celebration is being revived at the Alcester Community Orchard on Jubilee Fields by the court leet and will feature a winter king and queen as well music, dancing and merriment from the White Hart Morris.
For youngsters there will be free hot-dogs and prizes for the best nature crown. Mulled cider will be available for the adults to buy.
Traditionally held on Twelfth Night, the pagan event which originated in the Anglo-Saxon era blesses the apple trees to ensure a bountiful harvest and plenty of cider in the coming year.
People are encouraged to bring pots and pans to bang together in order to make plenty of noise to scare away any malign forces that could blight the crop.
The event has been organised by the high bailiff’s consort, Rosa Burden, who said: “We want to raise awareness of our community orchard, so people care about it and use it. It’s hoped that bringing back this joyous and ancient tradition will help achieve that.
“We will be waking the trees from their winter slumber with song and ceremony and asking for a good harvest.
“A wassail carries a message of hope for good things to come and teaches us to be thankful.”
She added that it is hoped the wassail will become an annual event.
Wassailers should meet at the Eric Payne Community Centre, off St Faith’s Road at 4.30pm in readiness for a torch- lit procession to the orchard at 5pm.
The free event is being supported by Alcester Town Council, Hogan’s Cider and All Things Wild.
