A Brilliant Wassail Brings Sunshine, Song & Community Spirit to Harmony Woods

Andover, Hampshire - On a bright winter afternoon in Harmony Woods, Andover Trees United hosted a community Wassail celebration on Saturday 10 January, drawing over 50 community members to ring in the New Year with ritual, song and shared tradition.

The Wassail, a folk custom rooted in centuries-old traditions of blessing trees to invite abundance and good health filled the woodland with vibrant energy as families, neighbours and nature lovers gathered to celebrate beneath the winter sun.

Music, Movement and Ritual

The festivities began in the Hazel Circle with lively performances by Mayfly Morris, whose dancers and musicians created a warm and spirited atmosphere. Andover Pagans then led a ceremonial opening, inviting participants to enter a communal circle and engage with the heritage of the Wassail tradition.

A highlight was the “Beating of the Bounds” procession, during which guests used pots, pans and homemade noise-makers to symbolically chase away negative spirits and “wake” the orchard for the coming growing season. At each orchard stop, cider was poured onto the roots of trees and toast was hung in branches, a time-honoured gesture to nourish the wildlife and bless the trees ahead of the year.

The Andover Museum Loft Singers filled the woods with traditional Wassail songs, their harmonies echoing through the trees, while Mayfly Morris returned later with more dancing including the much-loved Shepherds Hey that encouraged guests of all ages to join in.

Community Reflection & Warm Refreshments

After the procession, attendees gathered back in the Hazel Circle to share hot cider and apple juice, talking and laughing together as the warmth of community and seasonal cheer spread through the woods.

“Our Wassail was everything we hoped it would be: joyful, inclusive, deeply rooted in tradition and full of the warmth that comes from bringing people together,” said Abbey Sadler, Community Engagement Officer for Andover Trees United. “We are so grateful to everyone who joined us from our talented performers to the families and friends who made this celebration so special.”

Check out the blog post for full details and pictures. For more information about upcoming events and volunteer opportunities, visit www.andovertrees.org.uk or contact abbey.sadler@andovertrees.org.uk.