What is a Wassail?

The ancient English tradition of Wassailing involves drinking hot apple juice or mulled cider, food, songs, and ‘blessing’ the trees in the hope of a good harvest.

Wassailing has been going on for donkeys’ years, with the first recorded mention being in 1585 in Kent.

People would go about the Orchards, pouring cider on the roots of the trees and hanging bits of toast in the branches as an offering to the birds.

Then they would make noise, singing, and banging pots and pans together to scare away any bad spirits in the orchard.

What to expect

We’ll gather at the entrance of East Riddlesden Hall and be led to the Orchard by the Wassail King.

Expect lots of songs to join in with, and some ceremonial blessing of the trees.

What to bring

This event will be entirely outside, so you’ll want to be dressed in warm clothing and footwear suitable for the outdoors and uneven ground.

Wassailing outfits are very much encouraged! Here are some photos for inspiration.

You may want to bring a pot and a wooden spoon to make some noise with!

Contact number

Please call 07873157076 if you can't find where to go on the day.

Tickets

You don’t need to buy tickets, just turn up! You’ll have to pay the entrance fee to East Riddlesden Hall. Details of prices here.