Andover Welcomes the New Year with a Day of Community Action and Tradition at Harmony Woods
Saturday 10th January 2026 from 10am–4pm. Free Community Events
Andover, Hampshire - Andover residents are invited to begin 2026 in the heart of nature as Harmony Woods (The Diamond Wood) hosts a full day of community activity, conservation, and centuries-old seasonal tradition. Taking place on Saturday 10th January, the programme brings together Andover Trees United, local volunteers, families, and partner groups for a day that celebrates both the practical and cultural roots of this much-loved woodland.
The day opens with Andover Trees United’s first Community Conservation event of the year, running from 10am until 1pm. Volunteers of all ages and abilities are encouraged to join this hands-on morning session, where they will help care for Harmony Woods through tree planting, beating up, mulching, weeding, and other essential winter tasks. The atmosphere is friendly, relaxed, and welcoming, with breaks for tea, biscuits, and the chance to reconnect with familiar faces or meet new ones.
Organisers hope the event will attract not only regular volunteers but also residents who may never have visited Harmony Woods before. The morning has been deliberately planned to be accessible and sociable, making it ideal for families, first-time helpers, and anyone curious to learn more about the woodland. All tools and materials are provided, and no previous experience is required. Participants are invited to drop in for as long as they wish, whether an hour or the full session.
Andover Wassail Celebration at 2pm
The second event of the day will kick off at 2pm for the Andover Wassail Celebration. The Wassail is a joyful winter custom with deep roots in English folklore. Traditionally held in orchards to bless the trees and encourage a healthy harvest, the ceremony blends music, dance, and collective goodwill, making it a perfect match for Harmony Woods, itself a living expression of Andover’s commitment to nature and community.
The celebration will begin in the Hazel Circle with a welcome from Amanda Kane-Smith on behalf of Andover Trees United. The ceremony will then be led by Andover Pagans, who will invite participants to join a communal circle before the lively ritual of “beating the bounds”, where pots and pans are used to create noise and symbolically chase away negative spirits for the year ahead.
From there, the crowd will proceed to the apple trees, where the Green Man, a folkloric figure closely associated with renewal and natural cycles, will bless the trees. Cider will be poured onto the roots, and children will be encouraged to hang pieces of toast in the branches to “feed the robins”, guardians of the orchard in traditional lore. It’s a wonderful opportunity to see traditions in practice and have a fun afternoon taking part.
Music will play a central role throughout the afternoon, with performances from the Andover Museum Loft Singers, who will share traditional Wassail songs among the apple trees and later in the Hazel Circle. Their singing will be followed by vibrant dance displays from Mayfly Morris, culminating in a community dance where everyone is invited to take part. The event will end with closing words of thanks from Andover Pagans.
Speaking about the day, Abbey Sadler, Community Engagement Officer said: “Harmony Woods is a living testament to the dedication of local schoolchildren, volunteers and supporters across Andover. Beginning the year with both conservation and celebration captures the spirit of this woodland perfectly. We hope residents from across the town will join us whether to lend a hand in the morning, celebrate in the afternoon, or enjoy the whole day together.”
Both events are free of charge, and families are warmly welcomed, though parent attendance is required for children. Residents are encouraged to book a place for the morning, the afternoon, or both by contacting Abbey Sadler at abbey.sadler@andovertrees.org.uk.
