A TRADITIONAL Wassail will take place at Avoncroft Museum next Saturday and Sunday, February 25 and 26, to ward off evil spirits and awake the fruit trees ready for the year ahead.
There will be two processions – at 11am and 1.30pm – on both days and visitors will be able to check out the historic buildings and grounds and try out wassailing activities.
As well as the traditional music and entertainment, visitors will be urged to make their own decorations before joining a procession and singalong of traditional wassailing songs.
A king and queen will be selected from younger visitors and be crowned with a greenery wreath before leading the procession to the orchard.
Once there, visitors will be encouraged to make lots of noise with pots, pans, whistles and bells to awaken the orchard following winter and to encourage a healthy harvest.
A special wassail (toast) will then be made to the trees with mulled apple juice, and the oldest tree will be selected for decorating.
The Black Adder Morris will also be dancing in their traditional clogs and colourful rag jackets from midday on the Sunday and on both days the Droitwich Wind Instrument Group will create music to accompany the event.
Visitors will also be able to learn about Avoncroft’s historic cider press and toast marshmallows around the campfire.
The museum will be open from 10am to 4pm on both days with a range of food and drink with a wassailing theme, including mulled cider and apple cakes.
The season then gets under way in March.
Avoncroft Director Zoe Willems said the new team at Avoncrift had been working hard behind the scenes to prepare for a great 2023 season.
“It’s exciting to kick things off with a colourful celebration and traditional winter customs that connect with the past the land and particularly the orchards which are so important to Worcestershire and Herefordshire.”
Tickets are £12.50 per adult and £6.50 per child with £10.50 for over 65s and students.
Family tickets are £35.50 (two adults and up to three children).
Visit avoncroft.org.uk/product/waking-up-with-wassailing-weekend-2023 for more information.
