A POPULAR community Wassail event is set to return to encourage a bumper crop for 2020.
The Frieze Hill Community Orchard will host their annual event on Saturday, January 18.
Running from 5pm to 7pm, the main event of the evening is the Wassail ceremony featuring the Lord of Misrule and the Wassail Princess, who will pour cider onto the tree roots and place cider soaked toast in the branches.
They will lead the Wassailers in singing, chanting and in making lots of noise, to wake up the trees to be fruitful in the coming year.
As well as a bonfire, entertainment includes the fantastic Big Noise Street Band, while the Taunton Thespian Mummers will perform St George & The Dragon, a Mumming play written especially for the Wassail.
Refreshments on offer include mulled cider, apple juice, apple cake and ‘Bangers in Baps’ (with a vegetarian option).
Anyone attending the free event is encouraged to bring bells, whistles, horns and drums to make lots of noise, with donations to the orchard project welcome.
Very noisy children are particularly welcome, said organisers.
Clear directions to the Orchard are on the website - www.friezehillcommunityorchard.co.uk - and Wassailers are advised to bring a torch and wear wellies and warm, waterproof clothing.
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