Waking the trees for wassailing season

On Sunday 11 January, Woodcroft Community Orchard was alive with song, laughter and the clink of mulled cider cups as more than 150 people gathered for its annual Wassail – a joyful tradition that blends ancient ritual with modern community spirit. Read on to find out how to get involved in a wassail in Bristol this month.

Wassailing is a traditional English winter custom, rooted in Anglo-Saxon chants of good health – “was hael” meaning “be well”. Historically held around Twelfth Night in early January, wassails were a way for communities to come together to bless their orchards, wake the trees from winter slumber, and encourage a healthy harvest in the year ahead. Pagan and Christian traditions intertwine, with plenty of merriment along the way.

The tradition: waking the trees

At the heart of a wassail is the orchard itself and playful but purposeful rituals that include…

• Waking the apple trees by singing, chanting and making as much noise as possible to scare away evil spirits
• Cider-soaked toast placed in the branches as an offering
• Cider poured at the roots to nourish the trees
• Warm spiced cider or ale (often known as “lambswool”) shared from communal bowls, with toasts to health, abundance and good fortune

At Woodcroft, these traditions were brought to life with music, Morris dancing, storytelling and childrens’ activities, all expertly held together by ‘Greenwoman’ MC Abbi.

Five years of wassailing – and growing

Andy from Woodcroft Community Orchard reflected on how far the event has come:

“2026 was Woodcroft Community Orchard’s fifth annual Wassail (some time around old or new Twelfth Night – we’re not fussed). I remember our first attempt about 10 years ago when we read some incantations to a tree and threw some cider at it. From 2022 it’s grown year on year to become a major annual event.”

Despite increasing capacity, this year’s wassail sold out again.

“We had over 150 people on site. Alongside the Wassail itself there was music, singing, Morris dancing, stories, children’s activities, cake and orchard produce for sale – and of course mulled Woodcroft cider and apple juice.”

A grassroots orchard with open arms

Woodcroft Community Orchard is entirely grassroots and community-run – and while it’s rooted in its local area, it welcomes involvement from far and wide.

“We’d love people to attend events or get involved, even on an ad-hoc basis. We meet on the first Sunday of the month, and because it’s an allotment site, members can come and go as they please to maintain and develop the orchard, support flora and fauna, and grow produce in our kitchen garden.”

The orchard’s kitchen garden is also producing real social impact:

“For the past two years we’ve been providing seasonal weekly veg boxes for the charity Borderlands. The kitchen garden is a great way to learn to grow in a peer-supported environment – all ages welcome, no experience necessary. Corporate volunteering is also very welcome.”

There’s plenty more in the diary too, from bat walks to mini ‘bioblitzes’ to scything workshops, apple pressing and a summer solstice celebration – so keep an eye on Bristol Good Food 2030 listings for upcoming events.

More wassails coming up 

If Woodcroft’s wassail has inspired you, you’re in luck – there are several more happening across the city in the coming weeks:

• Hillfields Wassail – Saturday 17 January, 1–3pm
• Magpie Bottom Nature Reserve Community Wassail – Saturday 17 January, 2–3pm
• Horfield Organic Community Orchard Wassail – Saturday 17 January, 2–4pm
• Horfield Common Wassail – Saturday 17 January, 5.30–7pm
• The Community Farm Wassail – Saturday 31 January, 1–2pm

Wassailing? Get in touch!

Wassails are about more than cider and song – they’re about connection, care for the land, and collective hope for the year ahead. If you know of any other wassails coming up, let us know and we’ll help spread the word.

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