Somerset is an ancient county and it's great to see some of the old traditions still alive today. Wassailing is a great example of this. Wassailing is one of the countrys most ancient rituals. At one time almost every farm had it's own cider orchard and cider house. The labourers were partly paid in cider. Therefore it was very important to encourage a good harvest the following year. This is why Wassailing started.
The evening always begins with the crowning of the Wassail King or Queen. This person is chosen by finding a bean in there slice of apple cake. This important person will lead the guests to the orchard where the wassail ceremony is performed. While cider is poured onto the roots of the chosen tree and bread is placed in the branches, the somerset wassail song is sung loud and clear by all the assembled guests.Doors open at 7pm. Tickets are £12.50 in advance only including a mug of mulled cider on arrival, and a bowl of the awesome Somerset Casserole from the Ciderhouse Restaurant.
