WE would like to point out that the Wassail event at Frieze Hill Community Orchard is FREE to attend.

We apologise if a report in today's County Gazette gave the impression that visitors would have to pay.

*****

THE Lord of Misrule and the Wassail Princess will head a ceremony to ensure there's a bumper apple crop next year.

They will lead people in singing, chanting and making lots of noise at the annual wassail event at Taunton's Frieze Hill Community Orchard.

And cider will be poured onto tree roots and cider-soaked toast placed in the branches to wake up the tree to be more fruitful in the coming year.

They will be joined by a Green Man, while a bonfire will be lit and entertainment will be provided by Big Noise Street Band and Taunton Thespian Mummers will perform St George and the Dragon, specially written for the occasion.

The free-to-attend event on Saturday (January 13) from 5pm to 7pm will include mulled cider, apple cake, apple juice and bacon rolls.

Wassailers are advised to wear wellies and warm clothing and to take a torch.

Meanwhile, a cider wassail to ward off evil spirits and bless the trees in the orchard is taking place at Sheppy's Cider, at Three Bridges Farm, Bradford-on-Tone, from 7pm on Thursday (January 18), from 7pm, with entertainment from Taunton Deane Morris Men and folk band Fresh Air.

Tickets are £5, with hot food and drink on sale, with a percentage of the profits going to St Margaret's Hospice.