Thatchers Cider Wassail

Myrtle Farm, January 2023

We find ourselves once again at Myrtle Farm in Somerset keeping the ancient tradition of the Wassail alive with the family run business Thatchers Cider. This event has community at its heart, joined by staff, suppliers and the Mendip Morris Dancers who celebrated the evening of promoting the good health to the apple trees and scaring away the bad spirits with age-old traditions.

 

This year Thatchers wanted to make their Wassail bigger and better than ever before and we could not have been more pleased to help manage this unique evening. With a larger clearspan marquee, supplied by the wonderful CMC Marquees, more variations of cider than you can imagine and music from start to finish this year was a real show stopper. We used the interior to reflect Thatchers the best we could with rustic tables and chairs and super-effective autumnal accented lighting, supplied by SLX, we made the space very warm and welcoming during a very cold and wet winter season!

 

Guests were greeted with drinks and our amazing magician who delighted guests with his amazing tricks. Once sat down guests were taught the Wassail song by the trusty Morris Dancers and the legendary Green Man and then the celebrations began as guests were escorted outside to take part in the traditional Wassail song. All gathered around the bonfire guests began banging sticks together and shooting riffles to scare off evil spirits, whilst pouring cider around the tree and hanging toast from its branches to encourage the good spirits and a bountiful harvest this season.

 

Once the celebrations were over guests came back into the warmth of the marquee where the cider continued to flow. They all sat down to enjoy a three-course, hearty feast served by Fosters. Keeping with the Thatchers theme, by incorporating notes of apple throughout the meal and a very delicious apple crumble for dessert.

 

After their meal guests had some very special, unexpected entertainment to look forward to. The exceptionally hilarious comedian Nina Conti captivated the audience from the very beginning with her ventriloquist act. She presented her very well know “mask” act on members of the audience which had everyone in fits of laughter. After the comedy act it was time for everyone to hit the dance floor with the great Indie Rock cover band Lipinski.

 

As usual it was a very special evening filled with energy, fun and celebration for the year to come. Such a fantastic event to kick start our year off and as always, a pleasure to support a growing family business such as Thatchers.