Join The Ardagh and Friends of Horfield Common for our inaugural Wassail celebration this Saturday. Wrap up warm, bring something noisy to bang, and come help us wake up the apple trees for a fruitful year ahead. Everyone’s welcome — families, friends, neighbours, and anyone who enjoys a bit of winter magic.

Saturday 17th January at 5.30pm – Gather at the café, serving mulled cider and other warming drinks. Wassailers can pick up lyric and music sheets before we set off or download by scanning the QR code on the poster.

6.00pm – Procession to Horfield Common Orchard – We’ll head off together, singing and making joyful noise with pots, pans, and anything that rattles. At the orchard, we’ll hang toast in the branches and splash cider at the roots to bless the trees for the year ahead. Once the trees on the Common have been suitably celebrated, we’ll continue to the small orchard at The Ardagh — and finally to the oldest apple tree on site for the traditional unaccompanied Old Apple Tree song. Around 6.45pm, back to the café for more mulled cider and a warm-up with friends and neighbours.

Bring:

• Pots, pans, wooden spoons — anything to make a joyful racket

• Warm clothes

• Your best singing voice (enthusiasm counts more than accuracy)

It’s a lovely, lively tradition and a brilliant way to brighten a winter evening together. See you there to toast the trees and the community!