Thatchers Cider are keeping an ancient West Country tradition alive. Each January they host a Wassail at the Thatchers family farm in Sandford, Somerset – the historic tradition of promoting the good health of the apple trees and the cider harvest at the orchard. We were delighted to manage the event for them again this year.
Guests made their way into the orchard, song sheets in hand, with the Mendip Morris Men to lead reveling guests in scaring away evil spirits and attract good spirits for a bountiful harvest! As called for by tradition, guests sing the traditional Wassail song while banging together sticks to scare away any evil spirits from the trees. The Green Man and the Wassail Queen poured cider over the roots of the Wassail tree and hung cider-soaked toast to hang from its branches to attract robins, good spirits that will help the trees grow and produce good fruit.
After the ceremony guests returned to the warmth and shelter of the impressive clearspan, clear-roofed marquee for a Thatchers feast! Guests dined on delicious, warming, cider infused casseroles and various hearty goodies with apple accents, along with plenty of cider and apple juice.
The marquee from our sister company CMC Marquees was styled with a rustic finish, with plenty of space for milling about as old friends got together and new friends were made. The draped linings created a really warming interior while the central transparent section, lined with lovely festoon lighting, really drew the eye to the stage and dance floor area.
Beautiful rustic tables and chairs sat around the stage and dance floor to ensure everyone had a good view of the performances. Guests were entertained by hip hop musical comedian extraordinaire Abandoman, followed by folk style band Southern Sons.
As always it was a fantastic evening filled with fun and warmth, a really special event which is a real highlight in the Thatchers Cider calendar. It is a pleasure to support them with such a community-minded event, rich in heritage and rooted in tradition.
Click here to take a look at last year’s Wassail Celebrations
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