THE FLEECE Inn at Bretforton played host to an evening of music, merrimaking and nod to ancient traditions on Saturday (January 10) for the annual wassail.
Biting cold did not deter hundreds of revellers packing out the old apple orchard to witness master of ceremonies Martin Russell officiate an ancient tradition to bless the fruit trees.
Historically held on the Twelfth Night, the quirky event is held to ensure a bountiful harvest and plenty of cider in the coming year.
Special songs were sung and then small pieces of toasted bread were hung on the branches of the big tree and libations of cider were poured over the roots.
To scare away the evil spirits that would otherwise blight the crop, the assembled crowd was instructed to make lots of noise.
This was aided by shots fired into the night sky by musketeers from the Sealed Knot Society.
The ceremony takes its name from old Anglo-Saxon phrase ‘waes hael’ or be well, and was preceded by colourful and noisy displays of Morris dancing from a number of sides including Pebworth and Alvechurch.
Landlord of the National Trust-owned pub, Nigel Smith said: “It was a fantastic Wassail and a real reminder of what the Fleece is all about – community, tradition, and a bit of fun on a cold January night.
“We’re hugely grateful to the re-enactors, the Morris sides, and our druid butler Martin, for bringing the orchard to life.
“To everyone who continues to come along year after year to celebrate with us we are thankful.
“Now we’re looking forward to seeing how this year’s orchard crop shapes up and to making our Ark cider in October.”
