Residents of Glastonbury and Street are preparing to embrace a series of Wassail events, marking a blend of tradition, community spirit, and festive fun.

These events, deeply rooted in ancient customs, offer locals a unique opportunity to engage with a tradition dating back centuries, fostering community bonds and celebrating the region's rich agricultural heritage.

What is a Wassail?

Wassail, derived from the Old English phrase 'Waes thu hael', meaning 'be you well', is an age-old tradition celebrating the apple harvest and wishing good health to the apple trees for the coming year. The ceremony typically involves singing, dancing, and making noise to awaken the apple trees from their winter slumber and scare away any evil spirits to ensure a bountiful harvest. It's a festive, community-led event, steeped in local history and culture.

Upcoming Wassail Events in Glastonbury and Street

• Somerset Rural Life Museum, Glastonbury (13 January 2024, 7.30-10pm) Join the celebration in the museum's Abbey Barn and orchard, led by Master of Ceremonies Les Davies MBE. The event includes a seasonal drink and apple cake.
• Alfred Gillett Trust Wassail, Clarks Village, Street (14 January 2024, 2-5pm) This free event features stories and performances under the guidance of Les Davies MBE, with a special prize for the best homemade headdress.

Why Participate in Wassailing?

Wassailing is more than just a celebration; it's a way to connect with local history and contribute to the community spirit. These events not only honour the age-old tradition of wishing health to the apple trees but also bring together people of all ages in a shared experience of joy and festivity. It's an opportunity to support local causes, learn about our heritage, and enjoy the company of neighbours and friends in the heart of winter.

Additional Wassail Events in the Vicinity

• The Railway Inn, Thatchers Cider, Sandford (10 January 2024): Enjoy a festive evening with a meal, sea shanty singing, mulled cider, and Morris dancing.
• Mid-Somerset Agricultural Society Wassail (17th January 2024) Held at North Wootton Village Hall, this free-entry ceremony includes a bonfire, traditional Wassail activities, and an evening filled with entertainment and food.
• Hornblotton Wassail and Ceilidh (20th January 2024) Taking place at Orchard Park Farm, this event promises a night of merriment with music, dancing, and hot food, supporting local causes.
• Rich's Cider Wassail, Watchfield (20 January 2024): A night of dance, song, and cider, supporting Cancer Research UK.
• Buttercross Community Orchard Wassail, Dunster (17 January 2024): A traditional ceremony with music, stories, and Wassail guns.
• Wassail at Tyntesfield, Wraxall (27 January 2024): A community event to bless apple trees, free with National Trust admission.
• The Sheppy's Cider Wassail, Bradford-on-Tone, Taunton (26 January 2024): A lively night with cider, food, and music.
• Jubilee Wood Wassail, Hinton St. George (20 January 2024): A magical evening with mulled cider and a candlelit procession.
• Hornblotton Wassail at Orchard Park Farm (20 January 2024): An evening of singing, food, and drinks.
• West Croft Farm Wassail, Brent Knoll (20 January 2024): A torch-lit procession and entertainment.
• The Newt in Somerset Wassail Prune, near Bruton (8 March 2024): Pruning workshops, cyder tasting, and a festive evening.