A Wassail is a traditional Anglo-Saxon festival to bless orchards and ensure a good harvest. The name comes from the Old Norse “waes hael,” meaning “good health’.

We are joined by the wonderful Martin Maudsley who’ll be leading the Wassail with story, ritual and song.

It’s a wonderful way to get outside, get some fresh air and mark the new year.

Expect hot cider (and apple juice), hot food, cakes, fire and fun.

Parking is at Bath University, which is a short walk down a footpath.

The event is mostly outside and involves a walk down through the orchard.

The barn will be open and the fire roaring, so that we can warm up after the Wassail.

Martin Maudsley is a professional storyteller based in Dorset and working across the South West of England. His repertoire of stories consists of fresh re-tellings of traditional tales from local legends and traditional folk-tales to magical myths and epic sagas. His book Telling the Seasons was published in 2023 – a month-by-month treasury of stories and traditions that bring to life the changing seasons and celebrate the turning year.

Price from £6.13.