How to run your own wassail event

There are various ways to run an apple (or orchard) wassail, but here are the key elements required:

• An orchard (especially apples)

• A date in January:  traditionally Twelfth Night (5 or 6 January) or Old Twelfth Night ("Old Twelvey", 17 January) but it doesn't matter too much

• Warm clothes (optional nature and apple theme)

• A torch or lantern

• Cider or apple juice (add honey, spices and heat for a wassail drink)

• Something to bang or make a noise, to ward of any evil spirits and wake the trees from their winter slumber

• Your voice, to serenade the trees (you don't have to sing if you don't want to) and encourage a good harvest. See Island Wassail History  for a wassail song to sing.

• Someone (e.g. a local Morris side) to lead festivities and dance!

Get in touch if you want suggestions or help finding people wightwassail@gmail.com