The Tradition of Wassailing
Wassailing is an annual tradition to bless orchards to ensure a good harvest for the year to come. The celebrations involve music, song, dancing and a recognition of what orchards give to us. It dates from the Anglo-Saxon era, traditionally taking place on Twelfth Night, but now wassails usually take place between late December and February.
Latest TV Reporter, William Ranieri went Craven Vale to take part in Wassailing of around 70 fruit trees around the estate. A relatively new tradition for the orchard, the first year they took part the tree produced such a good harvest that the community have decided to continue the tradition with all their trees.