Wassailing returns to Weylands

The Wassail returns on Saturday 8th February from 1:30pm – 3:30pm, in the orchard by the river behind Weylands. Live music from Frome Street Bandits, craft activities including creating willow bird feeders for the garden, and mulled cider and apple juice will join the wassail ceremony itself. Entrance to the event is free, with refreshments on sale and the opportunity to make a donation to the community groups providing the activities.

The word ‘wassail’ comes from Old English, meaning ‘be well’ and its purpose is to bring cheer to the cold, dark part of the year through community and celebration. There will be a wassail performance, leading the crowd through the ceremony, around the beautifully decorated trees in the young orchard.

Wassailing is designed to wake the trees from their winter sleep by making a lot of noise with pots and pans and then make offerings of toast and cider to ensure a good harvest. Once the trees are blessed in this way, they are celebrated in song with a cup of mulled cider or apple juice in hand.

Please note that there will be no access to toilets at the location, and parking is limited. Please be mindful of residents and ensure the Wassail can continue to be the wonderful community event that it is!

The Wassail takes place in the green space behind Weylands/Whatcombe Road, from 1:30pm – 3:30pm on Saturday 8th February.