Name: Lantern Lit Wassail Parade
Start: 2026-01-18T15:15:00+00:00
End: 2026-01-18T18:00:00+00:00
Location: Sherbourne Valley Allotments

As we approach deep winter and the natural resources we've benefitted from so dearly over the year are at rest we stop to take stock of the bountiful seasons of food, fruit and green spaces and say thank you.
Because giving thanks should be a joyful experience we're once again partnering with our dear friend Flawed Mandrake Theatre to bring you our (annual?) Lantern Lit Wassail Parade.
Starting over at Lake View Park (to spread our blessings further) we'll be lighting our blessings with an array of lanterns built especially for the event and guided by the Wassail Queen & King of Flawed Mandrake Theatre.
We'll march through the park and across Four Pounds Avenue with accompanying music to help us ward off evil spirits and impish issues in the growing season ahead and bless the trees in the hope of another bountiful harvest later in the year.
Because the word 'wassail' comes from the Anglo-Saxon greeting waes hael, which means 'good health' we'll also be providing some warm & nourishing food and drink courtesy of The Pod café.
So once again join us as we drink and sing to the health of our trees and prepare to kick off what we hope to be a fruitful harvest on the Food Union Allotment.
This is a free event with a small charge for food (Cash Only)
There will be a sprinkling of performances throughout the afternoon including a Mummers Play from Jude Rees, story telling from Barry The Green Man and a musical performance from the World Song Choir.
To help us prepare for numbers please book a place by emailing us at [email protected]
We'll be meeting at Lake View Park (exact location to be revealed closer to the time) at 3:15 and aiming to march at 3:30. We'll finish at the Food Union Allotment at around 4:15 for food and performances.
Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear.
The Allotment is a working food growing site and there will be a fire. Children and dogs are welcome but must be supervised at all times.
Food Union Applications will be available on the day for those who'd like to continue along with our growing journey.