A COMMUNITY Orchard is gearing up to host its annual Wassail, boasting an evening of entertainment, noisy antics and hot spiced drinks.
Every January Headless Cross Community Orchard celebrate an ancient Wassail ceremony to awaken fruit trees at the at the orchard.
Held on January Saturday 7th the event is free and family friendly.
Meeting at The Rocklands Social Club car-park at 7pm the noisy procession will be led to Headless Cross Green, with music provided by Arrow Valley Brass Band.
Orchard volunteer Alistair Waugh said: “The annual Wassail was always the first celebration of the year in English folk custom, with noisy bangs and shouts to awaken the trees.
“In counties like Worcestershire, where we have a lot of orchards, ensuring an abundant harvest for the year ahead was vital.
“We’re keeping that tradition alive, albeit with a modern flavour. Bring your saucepans for banging or just your noisy neighbours. You’re in for a real treat!”
Whilst wassailing is an ancient custom, the Headless Cross Community Orchard group only started wassailing in 2012.
The event features a procession to Headless Cross Orchard where a ceremony will be led by master of ceremonies Liz Jennings.
There the Wassail Queen will drape cider-soaked toast into the boughs of the oldest apple tree, having been threatened for the chop.
