Traditional Somerset Wassail

Thatchers' Myrtle Farm, January 2017

We were delighted to help Thatchers Cider with their Somerset Wassail celebration. A custom originally dating back to the pagan era, burnt toast is dipped in mulled cider before being hung in the boroughs of the wassail tree – typically the oldest in the orchard. Said to attract good spirits, mulled cider is then poured around the base of the choosen tree. This Somerset wassail tradition was originally introduced  to wake the apple trees from their Winter slumber to ensure a fine crop of apples for the year ahead!

On a crisp January night (historically the 12th night) our guests were greeted with mulled cider, and an introduction to morris dancing by the Mendip Morris Men, who led them to the Thatchers Wassail tree for a special ceremony led by the Wassail queen and the green man. Guests sang the song and beat their sticks together, to ward off evil spirits, in the dramatic setting of the attractively lit Wassail area overlooking the Thatchers orchard, pond and large bonfire.

Guests enjoyed our smart marquee provided by Clifton Marquee Company, complete with central clear roofs above the dancefloor and strung with festoons, which had the ultimate luxury for a cold January – plenty of efficient heaters to keep all 300 guests nice and warm!

Long vintage wooden tables with matching folding chairs complete with tonto lanterns and church candles, wreathed with green foliage and red berries, provided a touch of colour to the table centres.Guests were treated to a wonderful selection of cider, food and entertainment – including our incredible Spark Fire Trio, who performed to great applause with an impactful show after dinner incorporating fire staffs and flame fans finishing off with pyros for a grand finale human Catherine wheel effect! Guests enjoyed further dancing from the Morris Men and a live band until midnight.

A great way to welcome in the new crop for the year ahead!

You can read about Thatcher’s summer music festival here.