There was a great turnout for the third Midsomer Norton Wassail on Saturday, with over a hundred people of all ages taking part in the traditional ceremony.

Beginning with a short introduction to Wassailing, the Town Mayor, Paul Myers, crowned the Wassail King and Queen before they led the procession with musicians through the town to help wake up the apple trees in the Garden of Friendship and St Chad’s Well.

At each location, the Cam Valley Morris Men entranced the crowd,as ever, with their traditional dances. Reference was duly made to the four people the apple trees commemorate; namely David Fisher, David Strawbridge, Ted Hallam and Norman Voake.

This year’s Wassail Queen was Suzie Bentley-Smith and the King, for a second year, was Oliver Bird, and both carried out their duties to the full and did the town proud.

After the event, the Wassailers returned to the warmth of the Hollies to tuck into traditional apple cake, baked at Muffins Bakery in the High Street, and there was thanks given to the Midsomer Norton Society for organising the Wassail, Terrence Macarthaigh as Master of Ceremonies, The Band and the Cam Valley Morris Men.

Paul Myers, Secretary, Midsomer Norton Society