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The annual WassailThe earliest known reference to wassailing/yowling in kent comes from just up the road in fordwich and dates from 1585.
The Gate inn has been the home to this wassail since 2008, due to the Gate changing hand we have this year moved the Wassail to the Bell Inn, St. Nicholas at Wade.
The wassail will happen between 7:30pm - 8:30pm (weather permitting) so probably arrive by 7pm to get a drink/ drinks in.
Please fill free to bring drums and any noise makers for the wassail.
There will normally be a good music session afterwards so bring instruments.
On Saturday 11th January 2025, The Bell will play host to the ancient tradition of Wassailing. ‘Wassail’ comes from the Saxon words ‘Wass Hael’, meaning ‘Good Health’. It is reputed that the words were first spoken on British shores on the Isle of ‘Thanet, by the Lady Rowena as she offered a cup to the British King Vortigern, and so, unique to ‘the Gate’, our own ceremony will include a re-telling of this event.
Wassailing became a ceremony designed to bring good luck and good health to the land, the crops and to all those who take part, and it became particularly significant in Kent, Sussex and the West Country. A wassail was recorded in nearby Fordwich in 1585.
Wassailing takes place after dark, by lamplight and firelight, around an apple tree. There are songs and shouts, the sound of rough music and the firing of black powder guns through the trees. All present will be invited to take a drink from the Wassail bowl, and you are invited to bring things you can bang, rattle or blow to make a loud noise.
Before the ceremony, remain indoors until a special ‘calling-out song’ instructs you to meet outside, where re-enactors’ regiment 3rd East Kent The Buffs will lead you to the viewing area. Then all will be explained and the ceremony commence.
You are invited to take part in the tradition by bringing anything you can bang, blow or rattle so we can make a loud noise to drive away evil spirits.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
The Bell Inn, The Street,Birchington, Kent, Herne Bay, United Kingdom
