A Brilliant Andover Wassail: Sunshine, Song & Community Spirit in Harmony Woods
On Saturday 10th January, Harmony Woods was filled with music, movement and winter cheer as Andover Trees United proudly hosted this year’s Andover Wassail! A joyful New Year celebration steeped in tradition. With calm, bright sunshine lighting up the woodland, over 50 guests joined us to bless the trees, share in centuries-old customs, and welcome the year ahead as a community.
This year’s Wassail was a true community partnership, brought to life by the generosity and enthusiasm of:
Mayfly Morris
Andover Museum Loft Singers
Andover Pagans
Amanda Kane-Smith of Merry-Go-Round Storytelling
We are deeply grateful to each for their contribution to an unforgettable afternoon.
A Joyful Opening in the Hazel Circle
The celebration began in the Hazel Circle at 2:00pm with vibrant, energetic dancing from Mayfly Morris, whose lively steps and music set the tone for a warm and spirited event. Andover Pagans then officially opened the ceremony, inviting everyone into a communal circle and welcoming participants into the heart of the Wassail tradition. It was then time for our Wassailing Mistress to lead the first blessing, introducing the customs that would guide the rest of the afternoon.
Blessing the Orchards
From there, the group embarked on the first Beating of the Bounds which is a really joyful procession using pots, pans and whatever noise-makers people had brought along, all designed to ward off negative spirits and wake the orchard for the year ahead.
At the first orchard, the Wassailing Mistress offered the traditional blessing: cider poured onto the roots, and toast hung in the branches to “feed the robins”, protectors of the orchard in folklore. The group then continued with a second procession to the second orchard, where the ritual was repeated.
Here, the woods were filled with song as the Andover Museum Loft Singers performed two Wassail songs. Their harmonies echoing beautifully through the trees. They are a seriously talented group!
A final blessing followed at the second orchard before everyone processed back to the Hazel Circle.
Dancing, Singing & Community Spirit
Back in the Hazel Circle, Mayfly Morris performed once more, including the much-loved Shepherds Hey, a dance everyone was encouraged to join. The circle quickly became a wonderful mix of movement, laughter and community connection. Paul offered the final tree blessing and closed the ceremony with warm words of thanks.
Guests then enjoyed hot cider and apple juice, gathering together to reflect on the afternoon and enjoy the glow of shared celebration.
A Beautiful Start to 2026
This year’s Andover Wassail was everything we hoped it would be: joyful, inclusive, deeply rooted in tradition and full of warmth both from the winter sun and from the community who gathered with us. We were so grateful to see so many new and old faces! We hope many will return again and take part in all the upcoming activities and events we have planned in 2026.
As hosts, Andover Trees United was honoured to bring Andover together in Harmony Woods, a woodland shaped and cared for by local hands, hearts and time.
Our heartfelt thanks to:
🌿 Mayfly Morris
🌿 Andover Museum Loft Singers
🌿 Andover Pagans
🌿 Every one of the 50+ guests who joined us in the woods
Your voices, energy and enthusiasm made this a celebration to remember.
Here’s to a thriving, hopeful and nature-filled year ahead.
Wassail, Andover!
