January is often seen as the gloomiest month of the year—cold, dark, and lacking the holiday cheer of December or the promise of spring that February brings. But centuries ago, our ancestors found joy during these bleak days through the tradition of wassailing.
Originating in England’s West Country, wassailing is an ancient folk custom celebrating the orchard trees in the depths of winter. Wassailers toast the health of the apple trees with cider and offerings to awaken them from their winter slumber and encourage a bountiful harvest in the spring.
The 17th-century poet Robert Herrick captured the spirit of wassailing in his verse:
“Wassail the trees, that they may bear / You many a plum and many a pear / For more or less fruits they will bring / As you do give them wassailing.”
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Today, Somerset proudly revives this vibrant tradition through community events that blend ritual, music, and merriment. Annabelle Macfadyen, who will perform at Frome’s Wassail later this winter, explains, “Wassailing involves making noise with pots and pans to wake the trees, offering toast and cider, and then celebrating together with song and mulled cider in hand.”
Here are some of the best Wassail events to experience this season in Somerset:
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Chard Museum and Heritage Centre hosts its Wassail on Sunday, January 18 at 5:30pm. Enjoy traditional wassailing, Morris dancing, music, and the town crier leading the ceremony. The event is free, with mulled cider and apple cake available.
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Frome, renowned for its grand Wassail, holds festivities behind Whatcombe Road on Sunday, February 8 at 1:30pm. Participants are welcome to bring pots and pans to help wake the trees. Mayor Anita Collier shares, “Despite the chilly weather, the mood is always warm and joyful.”
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Somerset Rural Life Museum celebrates wassailing on Saturday, January 17 from 7 to 10pm in the historic Abbey Barn, which is over 700 years old. Tickets are £18.50 for adults and £15 for children, available online.
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Rich’s Cider Farm uses its Wassail to raise funds for Musgrove Park Hospital. The Skimmity Hitchers will perform, and tickets cost £15. Advance booking is required.
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Bere Cider Company on Turn Hill offers a free Wassail with live music and mulled cider on Saturday, January 10 from 6 to 11pm.
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Midsomer Norton Town Hall gathers townsfolk on Saturday, January 31 at noon for a lively procession through town, followed by wassailing in the Town Park with Morris dancing and a play. The event is free with cider and apple cake provided.
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Mid-Somerset Showground celebrates the coming spring on Wednesday, January 14 from 7 to 10pm with hearty food, cider, a bonfire, and the crowning of a Wassail Queen. The wassail is free; food and entertainment cost £15.
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Shoemakers Museum at Clarks Village hosts a Wassail on Sunday, January 18 from 2 to 4:30pm. Admission is free with a museum pass priced at £12, which grants year-round access.
Join these festive gatherings to embrace an enduring tradition that brings communities together, brightening winter’s darkest days with warmth, music, and shared joy.