Wassail in the Orchard

A wassail in the gloaming for all

We bring the ancient Orchard Wassailing tradition to the city.

Wassail is an ancient rural custom intended to wake up the sleeping spirits of fruit trees and encourage them to get growing in the hope of a good harvest of apples and fruit in the summer

Join us for raucous music, stories, songs and a torchlit parade to the Orchard, where we will bless the trees with toast and cider.

Leading the jollities will be Beorma, a mixed side of lively Border Morris dancers. Morris as you have never experienced it before ‘dumping tradition on the unwary since 2012.’

Our friendly Wild Green Man of the Woods returns to provide more music and stories and will lead you in the traditional songs associated with the ceremony… Feel free to join in the singing and the dancing as you will (bring your own pots, pans , whistles -things to make a noise – and join in).

Hot mulled cider will be available for sale.

Please note the Gardens will be dark and we will be walking over muddy ground.

Please dress accordingly. Children are very welcome with their (ticket holding) adults.

Simple crafts to create noise making things maybe on offer – weather dependent.

Stories, Music, Dancing from 3.30 pm

Procession starts at 5.30 pm

Please note: Last entry 5.15pm.

And why not pre-buy our new Wassail pin badge for 2026? Only £2.50 and made by a local crafstman. A limited number will also be available in the shop on the night.

With thanks to Richard Battye Studio for the photos