It’s time to begin ‘waking up the apple trees’ with the 2020 Midsomer Norton Wassailing taking place at 11.30 a.m. until noon, this Saturday, 18th January.

?The Wassailing will commence with the crowning of a Wassail King and Queen in the Town Hall.

For those who are new to Wassailing, proceedings will commence in the Assembly Room at the Town Hall with a short introduction to this centuries-old tradition. Then, the Wassail King and Queen will be crowned.

The gathering will be led by musicians to apple trees that were planted in 2017 in memory of Town notables, David Strawbridge, David Fisher, Ted Hallam and Norman Voake.

When the Wassailers arrive at each location, the traditional ceremonies will be performed, using the town’s Wassail Cups, to ‘wake up’ the apple trees.

The Cam Valley Morris Men will also be taking part with traditional dances.

The Wassailing will conclude with the company returning to the Town Hall to tuck into scrumptious apple cake, made by Muffins Bakery of Midsomer Norton.

“It’s great to see Wassailing becoming a regular part of the town’s calendar – bringing the community together as we look forward to the year ahead and anticipate the waking up of nature, and in particular, our apple trees,” said Paul Myers, Chairman of the Midsomer Norton Society.

The event is being run by the Midsomer Norton Society and is open to everyone. There is no charge, but there will be a collection of donations to help cover costs.