The third Wassail at St.Ives Community Orchard was a festive affair attracting a large crowd of people, many dressed in feathers, hats and wild ivy wreaths. They carried saucepans, drums and instruments ready to wake up the trees in this annual celebration of community and nature. It’s great that there is so much enthusiasm for this event which has become a firm fixture in our Orchard Calender. We have studied Wassail traditions from around Britain and have incorporated different elements to create our own unique St.Ives Wassail.
The Wassail started with a traditional song around one of the largest apple trees in the Orchard. A group of orchard volunteers then performed a Wassail dance around the tree which was choreographed especially for the celebration. They were accompanied by a cheerful trio of local musicians playing guitar, flute and accordion. The dancers then led the whole crowd in a merry dance around the orchard, winding in and around the trees, banging pots, pans and drums to awake the cider apple trees and encourage good harvests for the coming year.
The ceremony ended back at the original tree with a cider blessing and children fanning out to bless the trees with cider soaked pieces of toast hung in the branches. There was much shouting of ‘Huzzah!’ and striking of drums, pots and instruments to complete the waking of the trees.
The 'Wild Wassail Bar' set up close to the bonfire was very popular, with mulled cider made from wild foraged herbs and spices by Josh from 'Wild St Ives. Local company Jabula Tents set up festoon lights and a tent and revellers stayed until well after sunset enjoying music, singing and conversation. It felt fabulous celebrating outdoors on a February winter's day.
£290 was made from the bar and donations, with all money going to the orchard project / trees / future events.
