The mystical event of Wassailing took place at Myrtle Farm this weekend.

With the Wassail Queen and Green Man leading the Mendip Morris Men procession around the Wassail Tree, pouring cider over its roots, hanging toast in the tree and firing guns into the air, the ceremony is part of the weird and wonderful events that make up the Wassail tradition.

The Wassail Ceremony originates from a pagan tradition of promoting the good health of the apple trees – and a great harvest. We love to continue this tradition by asking the Mendip Morris Men to lead the ceremony, and we invite guests from all over the country to join in the strange goings-on – banging sticks together to make noise to scare away the evil spirits, and singing the traditional Wassail song. Toast hung in the trees is said to attract the robins – good spirits who help the trees grow and produce fruit, whilst the guns help to ward off the evil spirits. As would be expected, there’s plenty of mulled cider to keep warm too.

“The Wassail is one of the highlights of our year.  It’s a reminder that cidermaking here in the West Country has a long tradition, and as a family company we take our heritage very seriously,” says Martin Thatcher.

Further information: Penny Adair, 0117 9040173