THE ANNUAL wassail was held at Lickey Hills Country Park on Saturday.
Despite cold weather, the crowds turned out in their droves for the event which was a chaotic mix of music, noise, dancing, singing and ‘mumming’.
A king and queen were chosen and, after a performance by the Black Adder Morris group, the procession of wassailers headed to the orchard.
Picture by Nicky Stanley. s
There a mummers play was performed with the players ad-libbing and improvising as they went.
The mummers play featured St George, the Baroness of Birmingham, a strangely familiar government man and some revolting peasants.
Picture by Nicky Stanley. s
Pots and pans were banged to ward off evil spirits and toast was hung in the trees to ensure a good and bountiful harvest for the year to come.
None of the proceedings would of been possible without the hard work of the Lickey Hills Society, the army of dedicated volunteers or the hordes of merry wassailers old and new who attended.
Picture by Nicky Stanley. s
Apple-based alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages were enjoyed.
Helen Watton, attending her first wassail, said: “It was really well-attended, very inclusive and a good laugh.
“A lot of work went on behind the scenes and the orchard looked amazing lit-up.
“Fingers crossed for a good harvest – I’ll definitely be coming back for next year’s.”
