WELLINGTON Wassail revellers gathered to celebrate the annual event, ensuring a good harvest for the year ahead, on Saturday, January 18,

The wassailers gathered at the Cottage Inn that evening before heading on to the Swain’s Lane community orchard for merrymaking under a clear sky.

A long line of Wassail Revellers walked up Foxdown Terrace, with Mr Double Danger the 2nd, and newcomers piper (Debbie Leigh), drummer (Chris Nixon), and Banner bearers Imogen Cox and Robert Mann leading the procession.

At the orchard, Mr Double Danger the 2nd welcomed and opened proceedings with the Wassail Bell for the ancient ceremony.

Mistress of ceremony, Coralie Chandler, explained the ancient custom of Wassail, from the Anglo-Saxon salutation 'to be well', 'to good health', derived from the Anglo-Saxon word 'Waes Hael'.

Mr Double Danger the 2nd conducted the countdown with the revellers, then the cheering, banging of drums, whistle blowing, bells, clapping, and shouting commenced in order to scare away the 'Maulscrawls' to protect the apple trees and ensure a bountiful harvest.

The Wise-Maiden Kateryna Titova then put toasted bread soaked in honey into the tree to attract the good spirit-bird, the Robin.

Wassail songs followed, led by singers Richard Wood, Chloe Chandler, Coralie Chandler, Laura Kayleigh, Bryony Andrew, Holly Puckett, Imogen Cox and Mr Double Danger the 2nd, before Song Keeper Richard Wood joined with the ritual words.

Having returned to the Cottage Inn, the revellers enjoyed an outdoor performance from the Bootstrap Border Morris Team, accompanied by musicians.

The evening ended with a folk session in the bar with traditional music and further singing.

Lee Edmead, Mr Double Danger the 2nd, said: “I would like to thank everyone involved and those who came out on this Winter’s night to continue this ancient custom and make it a 'Living Tradition'.”