MUSKET fire, Morris dancing, and a torchlit procession provided some of the entertaining elements that made up Alcester’s second wassail ceremony on January 18.
The event at the community orchard on Jubilee Fields attracted several hundred visitors to participate in the ancient Anglo Saxon tradition of blessing the trees to ensure a fruitful harvest and plenty of cider.
Winter queen, Tegan Ward processes to the orchard. Picture by Struan Carew-Cox
Organised by Alcester Court Leet, the assembled crowd enjoyed a display of dancing by White Hart Morris whilst youngsters created their own nature crowns from branches of greenery.
New for 2025, members of the Sealed Knot historical enactment society provided the additional spectacle of firing their muskets into the dark night sky.
Picture by Struan Carew-Cox
Master of ceremonies and court leet officer Pete Neale who is also a member of White Hart Morris, said: “I’m very pleased with how it went. We built on our success from last year and the addition of the musketeers was spectacular.
“Ours is very much a community event, unlike others in the area which are centred on pubs, so it was gratifying to see how many families turned up with many children wearing their nature headdresses.
“We’ve already had the go ahead for next year’s wassail so it’s onwards and upwards.”
After the ceremony the crowds filed back to the Eric Payne Community Centre and enjoyed refreshments. Prizes were awarded to youngsters judged the best nature crowns.
In the orchard. Picture by Struan Carew-Cox
High bailiff Tracy Parkes said: “It was a huge success and great to have the White Hart Morris Men and the Sealed Knot with us.”
She thanked sponsors Alcester Town Council, Hogan’s Cider, Alcester and Bidford Rotary and Hatton Adventure World and added: “My biggest thanks goes to the organising committee – good time was had by all.”
