Sheppy’s Cider welcomed the local community to its annual Wassailing evening, with more than 450 at the cider farm, near Taunton, to celebrate the ancient winter tradition. This year’s event was completely sold out.
Wassailing is a centuries-old custom, traditionally held in January, to encourage a successful harvest in the year ahead.
The word Wassail comes from the old English waes hael, meaning “be well”. The ritual remains an important part of the West Country’s cider-making heritage.
At Sheppy’s, the evening began with the traditional blessing of the apple trees in the orchard, where guests took part in the ritual of singing to the trees and raising a toast to the coming harvest. The celebrations continued back at the farm with food, cider, and lively activities.
“It was fantastic to see so many people come together to celebrate Sheppy’s eighth Wassail with us,” said David Sheppy, managing director of Sheppy’s Cider.
“The atmosphere in the orchard was brilliant, and it’s always special to keep this tradition alive while sharing it with the local community and visitors.”
