A record crowd of more than 300 people watched as Bradford on Avon celebrated the ancient and traditional folk custom of wassailing to ensure a bumper crop of apples this year.

They were all spectators to the event at Hens’ Orchard next to the historic Tithe Barn on Saturday to ward off evil spirits and awaken the trees to ensure a good harvest of fruit in autumn.

Wiltshire Times: Crowds watch the entertainment taking place at the Hen’s Orchard Wassail event. Photo: Trevor Porter 70536-6aCrowds watch the entertainment taking place at the Hen’s Orchard Wassail event. Photo: Trevor Porter 70536-6a (Image: Trevor Porter)

The ancient tradition was revived in Bradford in Avon by the town’s Preservation Trust in 2017 and is celebrated at the nearby community orchard planted in 2014.

According to local tradition, Master of Ceremonies Nick Nicholls introduced Milo and Oliver as the Wassail Princesses and welcomed everyone to the event.

Wiltshire Times: Master of Ceremonies Nick Nichols introduces the acts at the Bradford on Avon Preservation Trust’s Hens’ Orchard Wassail event. Photo: Trevor Porter 70536-7Master of Ceremonies Nick Nichols introduces the acts at the Bradford on Avon Preservation Trust’s Hens’ Orchard Wassail event. Photo: Trevor Porter 70536-7 (Image: Trevor Porter)

Nick said: “The event always attracts a big following and is celebrated at the community orchard – named the Hens’ Orchard in honour of Elizabeth Stephenson and Katharine MacKean - two of the founders of the BoA Preservation Trust – known as the Hens after The China Hen, the antiques shop they used to run in Woolley Street.”

The entertainment included Holt Morris and the all-female Bell’s Angels groups with Chicken Chasers, a traditional dance to frighten off the chickens from the apple orchard.

Wiltshire Times: Holt Morris perform the Chicken Chase dance. Photo: Trevor Porter 70536-10 Holt Morris perform the Chicken Chase dance. Photo: Trevor Porter 70536-10 (Image: Trevor Porter)

Entertainment continued with music from the English Session musicians and sounds from Birch Tree Folk Choir performing the special Hens’ Orchard Wassail song.

A record crowd of more than 300 spectators gathered around to watch the Widcombe Mummers taking to the makeshift stage outside the 14th century barn performing their play.

As darkness fell, everyone formed a procession following the musicians, the Wassail Princesses, singers, dancers and mummers to Hens’ Orchard for the Wassail.

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

Wiltshire Times: Handing out the toast: Wassail Princesses Milo and Oliver. Photo: Trevor Porter 70536-14Handing out the toast: Wassail Princesses Milo and Oliver. Photo: Trevor Porter 70536-14 (Image: Trevor Porter)

The youngsters were also encouraged to pour cider on the apple tree roots to encourage their growth during the year.

A signal sounded to mark the start of the hullabaloo - with those who had them banging saucepans and similar items to make a din to scare away evil signals and nasty bugs.

Wiltshire Times: Margaret Thompson with her saucepan makes a Hullabaloo to scare evil spirits. Photo: Trevor Porter 70536-18Margaret Thompson with her saucepan makes a Hullabaloo to scare evil spirits. Photo: Trevor Porter 70536-18 (Image: Trevor Porter)

Then the group chanted: “Young Fruit trees we wassail thee, and hoping thou will bear, Hat full, cap full, three-bushel bag full, and a little heap under the stairs.”

The word Wassail comes from the Old Norse word ‘Waes hael or Waes bu hael’, meaning “be of good health”.