| Where: | Chepstow Castle, Orchard, Riverbank, Border Bridge and Lower Town |
| When: | A Weekend in mid- to late- January |
| Time: | Afternoon from 12 noon pm - 6.30 pm |
This is a well established revival of the ancient custom of wassailing the apple trees combined with the perhaps even more exciting Mari Lwyd, the skull-topped hobby-horse of Welsh folklore. Highlights include wassailing, mumming and morris dancing , the ceremonial meeting of the Welsh and English at The Border Bridge and the Mari Lwyd performances including the traditional singing , followed by a ceilidh at the Drill Hall.
Helpful Hints
In 2025 it should be on Saturday January 18th – the event made a welcome return in 2024 after a break of several years- it’s expected to be larger scale again in future.
There’s plenty to keep all ages entertained all day. We crossed the bridge for the English Wassail, then met the Welsh side again on the bridge later. Cider was provided regularly and the hosts were very welcoming – the atmosphere here was second to none.
Host morris side the Widders give particularly spirited performances and this is a well organised event. If you like Whittlesea Straw Bear Festival, you’ll like this – there were fewer morris sides but more alternative performances. There’s a handy car-park beside the Castle which is near the performance venues.
The ceilidh cost £6 in 2012 but all the other events were free.
Printed programmes should be available in town – all the info and timings for the different parts of the festival will be on the website well in advance.
Clcik here for the event website : http://chepstowwassailmari.co.uk/
Click here for the organisers page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/450433630332773
No idea when this page was written, but the event has certainly taken place for the last 3 years, and I have been under the Llantrisant Mari at the event. e.g. for 2011 see http://www.folkradio.co.uk/2011/01/chepstow-wassail-mari-lwyd-saturday-15th-january/
Thanks for putting me right about this event – I’ve amended the article here and I’m looking forward to attending asap!
Averil
We have been doing this event since 2004. Organised by The Widders Welsh Border Morris and Tim Ryan (Severn Princess ferry restoration) The unique part of the event is the now quite famous “Meeting Of English and Welsh at the border (middle of the old iron bridge) The event is part of a general revival in the town of traditional music, dance and folk customs in an attempt to drag good folk away from their TV’s and computers once in a while. We have a slogan first quoted by myself in 2008 ” Strength In Community”
Regards
Mike Lewis (Local slightly daft person)
We had an amazing event this year. Undeterred by the weather, Widders stalwarts cleared the public areas and dance spots of snow. The event was well attended and the sing song in The Tuns almost raised the rafters. Roll on next year. Do come along and join us at this unique event. You will not be disappointed.
Martin Ware
Widders Drum & Shantyman
Participated for the English in 2017. Great fun.
Indeed it is, Tom – when we visited we went for the English as well so I’m planning on heading for the Welsh side when we revisit ( I’m sure we’ll be made welcome -I have some Welsh ancestors!)