Shepton Mallet and the surrounding areas are gearing up for a series of vibrant Wassail events, promising a blend of tradition, community spirit, and festive fun.

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

What is a Wassail?

Wassail, a term derived from the Old English phrase 'Waes thu hael', meaning 'be you well', is an ancient 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 sleep and scare away any evil spirits to ensure a bountiful harvest. It's a festive, community-led event, steeped in local history and culture.

Mid-Somerset Agricultural Society Wassail - 17th January 2024 The first event in our local calendar is the Mid-Somerset Agricultural Society Wassail at North Wootton Village Hall. This free-entry ceremony promises a bonfire, traditional Wassail activities, and an evening filled with entertainment and food for £14 per person.

Hornblotton Wassail and Ceilidh - 20th January 2024 The Hornblotton Wassail and Ceilidh, set at Orchard Park Farm, is not just about tradition; it's a night of merriment with music, dancing, and hot food. The event supports local causes like Hornblotton Village Hall and Church, and contributes towards a new defibrillator. Tickets are available for this evening of community celebration.

Wassail at The Chapel - 20th January 2024 Also on the 20th of January, 'At the Chapel' in Bruton hosts its Wassail event. This family-friendly ceremony includes singing, dancing, and the traditional Wassail rituals, with contributions from Wild Moon Morris dancers. The ticket price includes drinks and nibbles, and half of the proceeds will support Pitcombe Rock Falconry.

Why Participate?

Wassailing is more than just a celebration; it's a way to connect with our 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 a chance to support local causes, learn about our heritage, and enjoy the company of neighbours and friends in the heart of winter.

Where else can I Wassail?

The Railway Inn, Thatchers Cider, Sandford

• When? 10 January 2024, 6.30pm
• Cost: £27.50 per person
• Enjoy a two-course meal followed by sea shanty singing, mulled cider, and Morris dancing at this traditional country pub.

Rich's Cider Wassail, Watchfield

• When? 20 January 2024, 7.30pm-midnight
• Cost: £15 (children under 12 free)
• A night of dance, song, and cider to support Cancer Research UK. Enjoy hot food and live music from The Skimmity Hitchers.

Somerset Rural Life Museum, Glastonbury

• When? 13 January 2024, 7.30-10pm (doors open 6.45pm)
• Cost: Adult £12, Child (5+) £8
• Celebrate in the museum's Abbey Barn and orchard with Master of Ceremonies Les Davies MBE. Includes a drink and apple cake.

Alfred Gillett Trust Wassail, Clarks Village, Street

• When? 14 January 2024, 2-5pm
• Cost: Free
• Led by Les Davies MBE, it features stories and performances and a chance to win a prize for the best homemade headdress.

Buttercross Community Orchard Wassail, Dunster

• When? 17 January 2024, 7.30pm
• A traditional ceremony with music, stories, and the firing of Wassail guns. Concludes at The Forester's Arms for more festivities.

Wassail at Tyntesfield, Wraxall

• When? 27 January 2024, 1.30-2.30pm
• Cost: Free (National Trust admission applies)
• A community event to bless apple trees with noise and merriment.

The Sheppy's Cider Wassail, Bradford-on-Tone, Taunton

• When? 26 January 2024, 5.30pm-10pm
• Cost: £15
• Enjoy a lively night with cider, food, music, and Morris dancing.

Jubilee Wood Wassail, Hinton St. George

• When? 20 January 2024, 6.15-9pm
• A magical evening with mulled cider, a candlelit procession, and Wassail songs in the woods.

Hornblotton Wassail at Orchard Park Farm

• When? 20 January 2024, 5pm
• Cost: Adults £15, Children £2.50
• Singing, hot food, drinks, and music, all for a good cause.

West Croft Farm Wassail, Brent Knoll

• When? 20 January 7pm
• Cost: £20 per person (children under 14 free)
• A torch-lit procession and entertainment, including food, cider, and music.

The Newt in Somerset Wassail Prune, near Bruton

• When? 8 March 2024, 11am-9pm
• Cost: £195
• A day of pruning workshops, cyder tasting, and a festive evening celebration.