Heavy rain failed to dampen spirits when over 400 people took part in a centuries-old wassailing ceremony in Brent Knoll last night (Saturday, January 18th).
Westcroft Cider Farm hosted the popular ceremony in which the village’s Wassailing Queen was carried shoulder-high through the crowds on a specially-made chair.
She placed pieces of cider-soaked toast in the trees to ward off evil spirits before several traditional songs were sung by the audience and shotguns were fired.
The evening, led by master of ceremonies John Page, also included entertainment from Skimmity Hitchers, Fallen Apples and a team of bellydancers with funds raised going to cancer support charity CLIC Sargent.
Organiser John Harris from Westcroft Cider Farm told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “We had a great turnout of over 400 people despite the wet weather and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.”
John Page added: “After cancelling last year’s event due to wintry weather, it was great to see the tradition returning again tonight and being so well supported. It was a super evening.”
The audience joined in the singing of the wassailing songs
Umbrellas and wellies were out in force during what was a wet evening
Master of ceremonies John Page led the wassailing festivities
Cider was ceremonially doused around the tree before the toast was also soaked
Three shotguns were fired at the end of Saturday’s ceremony in Brent Knoll
Local band The Skimmity Hitchers enjoying some liquid refreshment!
Ticket sales at the event were healthy despite the wet weather
