Join us for a traditional Wassail evening, rooted in centuries of rural custom and closely tied to the cider-making heritage of Somerset.

Wassailing is an ancient midwinter tradition, once widely practised in the West Country, where communities would gather in orchards to “wake” the apple trees after the darkest part of the year. The ceremony was believed to encourage a good harvest by driving away evil spirits, blessing the trees, and ensuring a plentiful crop of apples for the coming cider season. Songs were sung, cider was shared, and offerings were made — a ritual that combined folklore, agriculture, and community life.

Our evening will include a traditional Wassail ceremony followed by a (one night only) Wassail based play performed by the Rodney Stoke Mummers! We will be serving warming home made soup, bread rolls & cake as well as mulled cider or apple juice. It is going to be a relaxed, family-friendly event. There is no need to know anything about Wassailing beforehand, and you are very welcome simply to come along, listen, and take part as much or as little as you wish.

As with all Friends of St Leonard’s events, funds raised will go towards caring for our beautiful 12th-century church and supporting the village hall, helping to keep both buildings open, welcoming, and well cared for at the heart of Rodney Stoke.

Please dress warmly, wear wellies or sturdy boots as we will be walking across a field & bring a torch if you have one. If you need to park there is parking available in the field below Brangay Farm.

All are very welcome

Tickets available: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/fosl