Community Wassail

Name: Community Wassail
Start: 2026-01-18T15:00:00+00:00
Location: Great Wymondley

Schedule

Sun, 18 Jan, 2026 at 03:00 pm

UTC+00:00

Location

Great Wymondley | Hitchin, EN

Please join us for the annual Community Orchard Wassail on Sunday 18th January 2026 at 3.00pm.
We will gather on the edge of the orchard near the Interpretation Board.
There will be parking at the road end of the Recreation Ground and further parking for anyone unable to walk the distance of the recreation ground closer to the orchard. If the ground is very wet the parking plans may have to be altered.

Wassailing is an ancient tradition and the word Wassail derives from the Anglo-Saxon word 'Was-hael’ meaning good health.
The trees will be blessed and wished good health for the coming year. Evil spirits that might harm the trees will be frightened away by making loud noises with whistles, tin trays, saucepan lids and spoons etc as we process around the orchard.
We will sing Traditional Wassail Songs accompanied by the Wassail Band and carry out some traditional Wassail Customs in different areas of the orchard.
There will be Mulled Spiced Apple Juice and Orchard Fruit Cakes and Bakes afterwards. If you would like to take part please let us know how many people will come from your household so that we can provide enough refreshments.
Donations at the event will be welcomed to go towards buying new tree guards, more posts, ties, and protective mesh for the growing fruit trees as they are outgrowing the original ones.