Wassail – St Sidwell’s

Friday 13 January 2023 @ 5:00 pm
St Sidwell's Community Centre, Sidwell Street, Exeter, EX4 6NN

Wassail is an old English word meaning ‘good health’. Our Masters of Ceremonies – Jon Dyer and Marilyn Tucker – look forward to welcoming you to celebrate the season and bless the trees for a good harvest.

All events are free. Wear sturdy shoes and wrap up warm.

Saturday 7 January from 5pm
Landkey Millennium Orchard near Barnstaple
Please note the linked map directs you to the nearest car park

Friday 13 January from 5pm
St Sidwell’s Community Centre, Exeter

Saturday 14 January from 4.30pm
Okehampton Community Garden, Okehampton

At each Wassail we will congregate around a small number of  trees, and at each one sing a couple of wassail songs. We will give three cheers and then anoint the tree roots and dress the tree with toast. After the ceremony there will be the chance to sing more wassail songs, and light refreshments will be available. Local performers will have the chance to sing and play at each Wassail as part of the post ceremony celebration. If you would like to perform please make yourself known to Jon Dyer at the event.
If you want to learn Wassail songs in person, for a Wren Music Wassail or to be able to toast your own trees, you can attend a rehearsal:

Tuesday 10 January from 3.00pm to 4.30pm
St Sidwell’s Community Centre, Exeter

Wednesday 11 January from 7.30pm to 9.00pm
Ebenezer Hall, North Street, Okehampton
Please note Ebenezer Hall is a listed building and the rehearsal will be up two flights of eight stairs

Alternatively, you can learn Wassail songs and download lyrics and scores in the online group which is available here in our online community.

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