You are warmly invited to take part in this traditional community event happening in Dartington, Devon, at 3pm on Saturday 1st February 2020.
‘Wassail’ is an old mediaeval salutation meaning ‘Be of good health’ and was often used as a drinking toast.
Wassailing is an ancient British folk custom that has been recorded since at least 1486, it is one of 2 things: either a house-visiting ritual like carol-singing or an Orchard-blessing ritual. ( Both involved drinking cheerily! )
We’ll gather round a roaring fire, have a procession around the trees with all manner of implements and instruments ( bring something to bang, clang, rattle or toot!) to ‘drive away the evil spirits’ and then bless the trees with toast, singing and sprinkled cider.
Everyone is invited to join in with singing 3 traditional wassailing songs, which will be taught by ear by Selena Mara.
Then hot spiced cider and apple juice will be served from the Wassail Bowl to warm you and bring you good cheer! Please feel free to dress up in wacky outfits and facepaint!
All ages are welcome. Drinks will be for sale and Donations will be requested upon entry, to support our Orchard Fund.
There is no need to book for this event, just turn up. It will start at 3pm and the Wassail itself will be quite short so don't be late!
Location: Huxhams Cross Community orchard is by Huxhams Cross housing cluster, just off the A385, at the top of the hill between Dartington village and the South Devon Steiner School. It is walking or cycling distance from Totnes and Dartington. The buses 165 and 88 stop here.
If you do need to drive here, PLEASE PARK AT WOODLANDS YARD which is 100 yards downhill towards Dartingon church, and is clearly signposted. Park in the yard there and then you can walk up the footpath to the orchard.
‘For ‘tis your wassail, and ‘tis our wassail, and joy be to you and a jolly wassail’ 🎵
There is a wonderful array of different Wassail folk songs which have been collected over the last 170 years from all around the country, and Selena Mara is delighted to share 3 of them with you at this event.
We look forward to seeing you on the day! If you have any queries, please contact Selena on 01803-365005, the lines are open Monday-Friday, 9am-6pm, or selena@sigwithstyle.com
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