CAMRA award-winning pub to purge the spirits with ancient tradition of wassailing

The Bell Inn is urging people to turn out in force to rattle, clang, clatter, crash, cheer and generally make a big noise around the Aldworth pub’s much-loved old apple tree at Friday night’s wassail.

A Morris side will lead proceedings in the beer garden, dancing, reciting incantations and singing to the tree with the assembled crowd joining in with traditional songs including Here We Come A-Wassailing, in the ancient custom to encourage a good crop for the coming year.

After the spirits of winter are awakened and evil spirits scared away, the good spirits will have to be to be placated.

An offering of toast will be made to the tree and cider will be poured over its ancient trunk. Musketeers from the Black Powder Muzzle Loaders from Thames Valley Shooting Club will fire a volley of shots through the branches.

The ancient tradition will begin at 7pm.