Even for those with plenty of company, winter can be hard in rural areas – with long nights, cold and damp weather, and mud, mud, mud. Plus, having just emerged from two years of covid lockdowns, the high cost of living has dealt us another whammy this winter.

But in Somerset, there's one event guaranteed to blow away those post-Christmas blues - and scare off some evil spirits while we're at it - a traditional wassail.

Wassailing is about waking the tree spirits with the clattering of pots, pans and general merriment, in the pursuit of a good apple crop (and therefore, lots of scrumpy) for the upcoming year.

They're fun, noisy events that celebrate our regional tipple and with the help of the locals there's little chance that these orchards will stay asleep for long: musicians play, farmers fire a round of blanks, and villagers bring saucepan lids to clatter.

If you want to get in on the fun and the action, here's our round-up of Wassails taking place across Street and Glastonbury this weekend:

Somerset Rural Life Museum, January 14

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.

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Somerset Rural Life Museum Chilkwell Street Glastonbury BA6 8DB

Glastonbury Abbey, January 15

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.

Magdalene St, Glastonbury BA6 9EL

Alfred Gillet Trust, Street Sunday 15 January

Get ready to make lots of noise, dance around to scare away any evil spirits, and wake up the trees to encourage a good crop for the harvest.

This event takes place at The Grange, with ceremony Master extraordinaire and local Legend, Les Davies MBE. As well as the banging of pans and hurling of toast, there will also be stories from Somerset, courtesy of Jane Flood, a performance by the Langport Mummers and a make-and-wear-your-own head dress competition.

Refreshments will be available and dogs are welcome.

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The Grange, Farm Road, BA16 0BQ

And if you're not available this weekend, there's still a chance to get in on the action. Godney are breaking the mould and holding their wassail in February. Here's the details so you can add them to your calendar.

Godney Wassail - Feb 11th, 2023, 6pm

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.

Godney Village Hall, Lower Godney, BA5 1RZ