About this Event
Wassail!
Bless the land and trees at Wild Spirit Woods. Waking up the trees chasing away winter while showing gratitude for our wild world. A very merry uplifting way to begin your year!
Meet our very own 'Owd Bear'. Learn about ancient bear tradition pre the bear baiting Congleton later became infamous for.
This is a fundraiser. Last years was a blast so book early to avoid disapointment!
What Can You Expect?
A merry band of revellers dressed in wild attire. (Think bears, Krampus, Green Man, fancy hats and greenery!) We will make merry with a great hullabaloo. We will sing to the trees a Wassailing song and gift an offering of traditional wassail drink and bread. Afterwards we will parade to the tipi with big toasty fire, hot potatoes, veggie soup and drinks. A traditional Wassail cup will be served. Historian/archaeologist and founder of Ancient and Sacred Trees, Amanda Claire Vesty, will give a short talk about how this tradition ties in with the ancient blessing rituals of Europe.
There will be a small exhibition of traditional old European bells for you to look at and handle. ‘Congleton Bell Belt Day’ and its’ artefacts will also be discussed in this context too.
Special ‘bell’ sound healing once heard never forgotten!
Stay on for music while you eat, toast for good health and make merry.
Hurrah and Huzzah!
We wish you good cheer on this merry day!
What Do We Need To Bring?
This is a community event so please:
Bring your drums, bells and pots and pans to help us wake up the trees and chase away the winter!
Dressing up in greenery or as animals! Think firstly BEARS!, Green Man, Krampus, fancy hats, greenery, horns, and more!
Please bring torches and lanterns to light your way later.
Please wear clothing and footwear appropriate to the season and outdoor location.
A log for the fire would be appreciated if you have one.
Any musical instrument you would like to play is welcome for later around our campfire.
Gates Open 3pm. YOu can wander around the site. Wassail festivities begin 4pm prompt with mini exhibition and history talk afterwards along with hot drinks, hot potatoes and soup. Then music and and chat afterwards. There will be the tipi and also our toasty fairy tale cabin to hang out in too.
Community
We are an an inclusive space, all are welcome. (If you are autistic you might like to bring noise cancelling headphones). The tipi has plenty of chairs and there will be a fire lit. Please bring a rug. Friendly dogs On Leads welcome but please Be Aware Of The Noise!
NOTE! In the event of bad weather (storms, heavy snow/rain) we will defer to the following Saturday same time.
Car Park tickets first come first serve otherwise a short walk up the hill.
Event venue & nearby stays
Wild Spirit Woods, Congleton Edge Road, Congleton, United Kingdom
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.