SHEPPY’s House of Cider will be hosting the ancient ritual of Wassail on their orchard near Wellington.

All are welcome to the evening of chanting, dancing and tradition that will be held on Friday, January 23.

Wassailing is a centuries-old custom full of community spirit, held in the depths of January to bless the orchards for a bountiful harvest.

Wassail gets its name from an old English term “waes hael” meaning “be well” which was shouted like a toast with the reply “drinc hael” meaning “drink and be healthy” at festivities in the darkest days of January as far back as Saxon times.

There are several types of Wassailing tradition, most involving hot spiced alcohol, but the important one for all cider-makers is blessing their apple trees.

Last year, hundreds of people sang, danced, and drank hot cider to help protect the apple harvest at Sheppy’s Cider Farm.

This year’s Wassail kicks off at 5.30 pm, with food served at 5.45 pm and folk dancing at 8 pm.

The Wassail includes a short trip to the orchards so guests are asked to wear clothing and shoes equipped for all weathers.

Tickets are £16.50 with a £1.50 booking fee, this covers admission and food.

Sheppy’s House of Cider will be offering beef or vegan pasties with spicy potato wedges.

The Friday night restaurant and bar will be closed this night for the Wassail.

Bar drinks (including tea and coffee) will be available to purchase before and after the ceremony.

No drinks are included in the ticket.

Bus 22 stops directly outside the House of Cider and runs all evening.

There will be an area in the old entrance for drop offs and taxis.

To purchase tickets for the Wassail, visit: www.tickettailor.com/events/sheppysciderltd