WASSAIL

What is a Wassail?

Wassail comes from the old English Waes Hael meaning ‘be in good health’. The tradition involves: warding off the unfriendly spirits lurking in the orchards by making lots of noise; encouraging nature to thrive by feeding bread to the birds; and perking up the fruit trees with a good sprinkling of cider! In doing so we hope that the coming year's fruit crop will be bountiful and that we'll add some winter cheer at this often drab time of year.

What are the arrangements?

The Colwall Wassail event is organised by Colwall Orchard Group, held at Lugg's Mill Orchard, Old Church Road.

This is a family event suitable for all ages (but there will be a couple of loud bangs during the Wassail ceremony).

What happens at the Wassail?

We will assemble by a bonfire from 6.00 pm onwards.

At 6.00pm there will be a torchlit procession from Walwyn Meadow along the footpath to Lugg's Mill Orchard.

At 6.00pm there will be a torchlit procession from Walwyn Meadow along the footpath to Lugg's Mill Orchard

What should I wear?

The entire event is outdoors.

You should wear footwear suitable for muddy and uneven ground.

Wear warm / waterproof clothing appropriate for the conditions.

This is a fun evening so you may wish to dress up a little with fancy Wassail hats and coats.

What should I bring?

We would suggest that you bring a battery operated torch with you or mobile phone with a torch.

Part of the Wassail ceremony involves making a noise to ward off unfriendly spirits so you may wish to bring horns and pots/pans to bang.