Dancers and singers celebrate first wassail at community orchard

The first community wassail in Knutsford was hailed a success by residents.

Crowds gather for the centuries old ceremony

Town mayor Cllrs Stewart Gardiner toasted a wassail tree at Crosstown Community Orchard to pray for a bountiful harvest from the trees in the pagan-cum-mediaeval event.

Knutsford mayor Cllr Stewart Gardiner toasts the wassail tree

A wassail, derived from the old English/Norse ‘waes hael’ meaning ‘good health’ or ‘be healthy’ is traditionally held around Old Twelfth Night.

The pagan ritual brings good health

Orchards are traditionally blessed as good spirits are awakened and bad spirits are driven out.

A mummers play was performed

Adam Keppel-Green, chairman off Crosstown Community Orchard trustees, said:“Our aim was to bring the community together for an enjoyable afternoon of traditional entertainment, food and drink and toasting the orchard for the year ahead.

Visitors were treated to mulled cider or apple juice alongside baked potatoes

"We were delighted with the turnout and hope everyone enjoyed Knutsford’s first wassail."

Residents were entertained with performances from Ring Eye Morris Dancers and with a traditional Mummers Play performed by the Thelwall Morris Men.

Everyone joined in singing a tradtional wassail song

Music and singing was provided by local folk musicians who also led the community singing of a traditional wassail song.

Visitors were treated to mulled cider or apple juice alongside baked potatoes, provided by Waitrose.

Fresh gingerbread, made with ingredients donated by the Co-op, was shared.

After the mayor toasted the wassasil tree, the community sang a traditional wassail song and children hung toast in the trees to bless them.

Residents took to social media to say how much they enjoyed the event.

Mike Wilding said: “What a brilliant success. Well done to all involved in organising this wonderful new tradition for the town."

Ruth Williamson described it as a 'great community event” and thanked trustees and volunteers for creating the orchard for the community.

The Crosstown Community Orchard, off Mobberley Road, was created in February 2021 and is open for the community to enjoy year round.

It is now home to 38 varied fruit trees, including apple, pear, plum, cherry and damson trees, alongside the less common medlar, greengage and quince, funded by a grant from the Tree Council.

The charity is currently preparing a programme of activity for 2022 which will include a summer barbecue alongside volunteer maintenance days and skill-based workshops.