Organisers of Knutsford’s second community wassail have thanked people who joined them at Crosstown Community Orchard over the weekend.
Wassail is an ancient mid-winter tradition; and the word comes from the Old Norse salutation ‘ves heill’ meaning ‘be in good health’.
When performed in orchards it serves to scare away evil spirits to ensure a good harvest for the year ahead.
This year’s event took place at sunset on Saturday 14th January, with local artists entertaining the crowd with dance, music and poetry.
Two morris troops – Mersey Morris and Bollin Morris – performed a selection of traditional dances, including Cotswold and Longsword styles.
Michael Gibson sang a solo tune and original orchard-related poems; while Mike Wilding and his musician friends played traditional tunes and led the wasasil song.
Town mayor Cllr Mike Houghton officiated the best wassail hat competition as well as the toasting of the wassail tree.
Knutsford town crier Julie Mitchell kept everything running smoothly with her flamboyant proclamations.
Visitors were also treated to mulled cider and apple juice from Dunham Press along with gingerbread and homemade vegetable soup – all ably served by volunteers from Knutsford Hosts.
Sister Barista supported the event as well with the coffee pod providing a range of pastries and refreshments.
Crosstown Community Orchard chair, Adam Keppel-Green said: “We hope everyone who came enjoyed the Wassail as much as we did.
“It’s a fun way to kick off the new year and we all find it so rewarding seeing the community come together at events like this to enjoy its orchard.”
Crosstown Community Orchard is Knutsford’s first community orchard and is located on Mobberley Road.
It is run by a charity of the same name, which is overseen by a group of trustees.
They hold a monthly working day at the orchard, to maintain the space and new volunteers are always welcome to help out with this.
You can find out more at: www.crosstowncommunityorchard.org.uk
