Open Orchard are holding a Wassail around some of their local orchards, singing wassailing songs to ask for a good harvest in 2026.

 

Wassailing is an ancient British tradition, originating from the Anglo-Saxon "Waes Hael" (be whole/good health), involving singing, toasting trees drinking spiced ale, making loud noises (banging pots, guns) to scare evil spirits, and merriment to bless orchards for a bountiful harvest or to ensure good fortune.

 

Process from Tivoli Park to the Woodvale Orchard and then finishing at the Norwood Park orchard. Bring bells, pots etc. to make some noise.

 

When: Sunday 18 January 2026 from 2:30pm

 

Where: meet at Tivoli Park (at the orchard in the middle of the park) off both Tivoli Road and Knight's Hill, SE27