Custom
The Carhampton Wassail
Old apple tree, we wassail thee.
See it clearly
- What's there
- Village orchard beside the pub
- Legend from
- Revived 1920s–30s
- Best time
- 17 January evening
- Tone
- Light-hearted
Toast in the branches, cider on the roots, and both barrels fired into the dark.
On Old Twelfth Night, 17 January, Carhampton wassails its apple trees. Villagers gather round the largest tree, sing the wassail song, and place toast soaked in cider in the branches for the robins, who stand for the good spirits of the tree. Cider is poured round the roots, and shotguns are fired up through the branches to drive away evil spirits and wake the tree for a good crop. The custom moved to the Community Orchard beside the Butchers Arms. In January 2026 about 250 people came.