Lookback to this year’s Wonderful Wassail

The Wassail began at the Village Hall, where people could enjoy tea, coffee, hot chocolate and mulled wine while they watched a Morris Dancer performance. We were then introduced to our Green Man, who taught us about the purpose of the Wassail. A shotgun was fired to mark the start of the ceremony, and we were led over the road into Pursers Community Orchard for the procession. Fairy lights, torches of fire and colourful lights illuminated a path through the Orchard, and we all followed the Green Man, clattering pots and pans together and making plenty of noise!

The ceremony finished with a classical ‘toast’ to the orchard, hanging toast in the branches of the trees and pouring cider over the tree roots. We ended with a hearty chorus of “WASSAIL!” before going to enjoy the rest of the celebrations – a barbecue, bar, disco, and dazzling display of juggling with real fire from Jeb the juggler.

To watch the highlights of the wassail, see here:

We are indebted to the volunteers who gave up their time for both the planning and execution of this amazing event. These events really wouldn’t be possible without them. From planning, coordinating, risk assessing, booking, decorating, marshalling, barbecuing and serving, these wonderful people are instrumental in creating the vibrant community events that bring people in Welland together. A huge thank you to them all!