04 January 2020, Starts: 11:00

Forres Community Orchards have emailed about an event they are holding on 4 January, and inluded a link to YouTube videos of wassailing events elsewhere.

Wassailing, is an age-old tradition of toasting the good health of people and fruit trees on the 12th night after Christmas. Historic UK tells us that in the case of the latter:  “The wassailing, or blessing of the fruit trees, involves drinking and singing to the health of the trees in the hope that they will provide a bountiful harvest in the autumn. This ancient custom is still practiced across the country today, and is particularly popular in the cider-producing areas of England.”

Recently, orchard wassails have been undergoing a bit of a revival as they are a great midwinter event to brighten up community orchard social calendars alongside, now firmly established, autumn Apple Days.

The thing is, you have to keep wassailing to ensure the harvests continue. Grab a jug of cider and a slice of toast, choose your King Apple (or whatever) Tree in your garden or nearest orchard and get out there! 

So come along, one and all, to the Mannachie Community Orchard in Forres on Saturday 4th January at 11am, and after to the orchard by the Mosset Tavern Duck Pond, to learn some pruning skills from Des Scholes, our friendly expert , and wassail to your hearts’ content

Here’s a link to a YouTube clip of wassailing.

If you have any questions or suggestions please contact Forres Community Orchards at 01309 671112 or email   forrescommunityorchard@gmail.com