A big thank you and “Wassail!” to everyone who attended our buzzing event on Saturday 18th of January!
With the crackling fire, clanging pots and pans and hearty cries of “Wassail!”, the atmosphere on this bright, frosty day was warm and merry.
Families, friends and children came together to enjoy hot, spiced apple juice and take part in the traditional festivities of this ancient West Country custom, led by ‘January’, a captivating, interactive performance by Kilter Theatre.
Celebrations began with children using with natural materials found around the farm, such as ivy, catkins, sheep fleece and “old man’s beard”, to decorate masks and crowns made from recycled cardboard. Many people enjoyed a slice (or two!) of delicious cake from our little café, The Trough!
As the crowd gathered around the fire, sharing the goblet of traditional spiced apple juice, January regaled everyone with the lore Wassail – as old as the hills and as daft as a brush! By hanging toast in trees, we lure the birds to the branches, whose singing will awaken the apple seeds from their winter slumber, ready to grow round and juicy in the Autumn. If the sweet birdsong wasn’t enough, then our roaring of “Wassail!” will certainly have done the trick!
The day ended with a real honour for the farm; the presence of The Right Worshipful The Mayor of Bath, Councillor Gerry Curran, who was kind enough to plant one of our new apple tree saplings after saying a few words about Bath City Farm, our past, our present and our future.
The Right Worshipful The Mayor of Bath, Councillor Gerry Curran, plants a new apple tree sapling with Helen Fisher, Manager of Bath City Farm
Thank you so much to all of those who attended Wassail – you brought so much energy, enthusiasm and good weather with you! We couldn’t think of a better way to begin this year, our 25th anniversary!
If you missed out on this event do not worry, we have lots of exciting activities for 2020. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to keep up-to-date with future events and updates on the farm.