A lively West Country tradition that's still going strong.

Have you heard of Wassailing? The word wassail is believed to come from the Anglo Saxon toast "waes hael" meaning good health and it was traditionally on Twelfth Night that celebrations took place, it was a way to ensure a healthy harvest of cider apples for that year and to scare away any evil spirits.

The festivities include the banging of pots and pans, the singing of traditional songs, such as Here We Come a-Wassailing, folk dancing and, of course, enjoying a drop of the wonderful cider for which our area can be justly proud.

If you would like to go along and join in the fun and frolics there are several Wassailing events taking place across the county, a few of which are listed below.

11th January 2025 Rural Life Museum, Glastonbury: www.somersetheritage.org.uk/rural-life-museum

17th January 2025 Carhampton Community Orchard, near Minehead: www.facebook.com/CarhamptonCommunity Orchard

18th January 2025 Rich's Cider Farm, nr Highbridge: www.richsider.co.uk

18th January 2025 Bere Cider, near Langport: www.berecidercompany.com

19th January 2025 Clark's Village, Street: www.shoemakersmuseum.org.uk/wassail-with-us

31stJanuary 2025 Sheppy's Cider Farm, nr Taunton: www.sheppyscider.com/the-cider-farm/events

We recommend checking with the venue that the event is going ahead prior to travelling.