Join us at the Duke for the revival of this ancient tradition.

Wassail is an ale-based drink seasoned with spices and honey. It was served from huge bowls, often made of silver or pewter. The Wassail bowl would be passed around with the greeting, ‘Wassail’.

Wassail gets its name from the Old English term “waes hael“, meaning “be well”. It was a Saxon custom that, at the start of each year, the lord of the manor would shout ‘waes hael’. The assembled crowd would reply ‘drinc hael‘, meaning ‘drink and be healthy’.

Associated with Christmas and the festive season, wassailing traditionally occurred on Jan 6th, or Old Twelfth Night Jan 17th. The origins of this rite most probably pre-date Christianity and were conducted to ensure a good crop in the coming year.

Our event will feature: Wassailing of the Apple Tree, Traditional Music & Song, plus extra entertainment afterwards with The Jed Cutler Band