Wassail 2024

Friday 26th Jan 5:30 PM - 10 PM 

Sheppy's House of Cider, TA4 1ER

Join Sheppy's Cider to celebrate the ancient ritual of Wassail on Friday, 26th January, 2024

Doors open from 5:30pm - ceremony starts at 6.45pm

Food | Fires | Cider

Join us for an evening of chanting, dancing and tradition to help us ensure that next year’s harvest is a good one.

Wassail gets its name from an old English term “waes hael” meaning “be well” which was shouted like a toast with the reply “drinc hael” meaning “drink and be healthy” at festivities in the darkest days of January as far back as Saxon times. There are several types of Wassailing tradition (most involving hot spiced alcohol) but the important one for all cider-makers is blessing their apple trees.

Itinerary

5:30 pm Gates Open

5:45 pm Food opens (closes 8.15 pm)

6:15 pm Last Admission for Cars

6:45 pm Ceremony begins

8:00 pm Folk dancing and drinking

10:00 pm Event closes

Your £16.50 ticket price covers admission at the gate and food. Drinks (including tea and coffee) will be available to purchase before and after the ceremony. No drinks are included in the ticket.

Why not take public transport to the event? Bus 22 stops directly outside the House of Cider and runs all evening. Check out the bus times here.

Frequently asked questions

Can I park at the event?

You must purchase a car parking ticket in order to park at the event. No spaces will be available on the day and you will be turned away. Why not take public transport to the event? Bus 22 stops directly outside the House of Cider and runs all evening. Check out the bus times here.

Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event?

Anyone is welcome to join us, we run a challenge 25 policy and you will need to have valid ID. All children who will also require a ticket however, please be aware that a traditional wassail involves loud noises including gunfire and some children may find this unnerving.

What are my transport/parking options for getting to and from the event?

Sheppy’s is located on the A38 half-way between Taunton and Wellington, TA4 1ER. Parking is a limited, so where possible please share your journey. Alternatively, the First Bus no.22 stops right outside.

What do I need to bring?

This is an outdoor event so please dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear (e.g wellies). We recommend bringing card and cash for purchasing drinks. Only food and drink purchased from Sheppy's can be consumed on site.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

You must bring a printed ticket or be able to display your ticket on your phone.

Need help or lost your ticket?

Contact the event organiser