St Ives Community Orchard & Nature Reserve invites the public to its annual Wassail celebration, set to take place on Saturday, 27th January, from 3 to 6 pm. This traditional event aims to bless the trees in the orchard, encouraging a bountiful harvest in the coming year. The festivities are designed to ‘wake up’ the trees from their winter slumber and involve the local community in a vibrant, communal experience.
The Wassail event at St Ives Orchard includes a variety of activities to engage attendees of all ages. The highlight is the singing of the Wassail song, accompanied by music from the Raffidy Dumitz band. Participants will also enjoy dancing with the Oss’s around a fire. The event promises a festive atmosphere with mulled cider and a selection of food available for purchase. Additionally, The Leach Pottery will conduct a children’s clay workshop, adding a creative element to the day’s activities.
Participants are encouraged to bring instruments or simple noise-makers like pots and spoons to contribute to the merry-making. They are also invited to bring their own mugs to join in the toasting of the trees. To get into the spirit of the event, attendees can come dressed with hats adorned with winter greenery. Materials will be provided on-site for those who wish to make their headdresses during the event.
The Wassail celebration is weather-dependent, with a backup date scheduled for 3rd February. Attendees are advised to check the St Ives Community Orchard & Nature Reserve Facebook page for updates.
Parking in the area is very limited, so visitors are encouraged to walk or use public transport. The closest parking options are at St John-in-the-Fields or St Ives Rugby Club.
The event schedule includes an initial hour of live music from local musicians, headdress making, and clay activities. At approximately 4 pm, everyone will gather around the largest apple tree for toasting and traditional blessings led by the Green Man. The ceremony includes a Wassailing song, a dance around the tree by Orchard volunteers, and loud cheers of “Waes heal” and “Yeghes da” (Good health in Cornish). Toast dipped in cider will be hung on the budding branches, and the trees will be splashed with cider as a gesture of gratitude for their fruitfulness.
The celebration will continue with a procession around the orchard, where participants bang pots and pans to awaken the cider apple trees and ward off evil spirits. The event will conclude with a bonfire, more music from the band, and communal dancing around the fire.
This unique event promises a blend of tradition, community spirit, and fun, as attendees come together to wish the trees of St Ives Community Orchard good health and a prosperous year ahead.
