Bradford on Avon wassailing ceremony held to awaken cider apple trees

It was a key part of the ancient Wassail ceremony to awaken the cider apple trees and to scare away evil spirits to ensure a bumper crop of fruit in the autumn.

The ancient tradition was revived by Bradford on Avon Preservation Trust in 2017 and is celebrated at the community Hens’ Orchard.

Spectators make a hullabaloo to scare away evil spirits and nasty bugs. Photo: Trevor Porter 69605-12 (Image: Trevor Porter)

Master of Ceremonies Nick Nicholls introduced Wassail Princess Ren Osbourne and welcomed more than 300 people to the event.

Nick said: “The event always attracts a big following and is celebrated at the community orchard."

The ceremony featured Holt’s female Morris side Belles Angels, 16-year-old bagpiper Ruby Derbyshire, music from the English Session musicians, and sounds from Birch Tree Folk Choir.

Kato O’Driscoll makes her first public appearance with the Belles Angel Morris dancers with the traditional Wassail Chicken Chasing dance. Photo Trevor Porter 69605-3 (Image: Trevor Porter)

Ruby Derbyshire plays the bagpipes at the Wassailing ceremony. Photo: Trevor Porter 69605-5 (Image: Trevor Porter)

The Wassail song was performed and composed by local musician Anne Gregson, with input from poet Keri Hendy, and the Widcombe Mummers performed a play outside the 14th century barn.

Children were invited to place cider toast on branches to encourage small birds, especially Robins, the traditional guardians of orchards, and to pour cider on the tree roots to encourage their growth.

Wassail Princess Ren Osbourne places toast on the branches to encourage small birds especially Robins, traditional guardians of orchards. Photo: Trevor Porter 69605-9 (Image: Trevor Porter)

Children pour cider on the tree roots to encourage their growth. Photo: Trevor Porter 69605-10 (Image: Trevor Porter)