| Where: | Formerly Coventry, Warks at the Brandon Marsh Nature Centre |
| When: | Formerly a Sunday in mid January |
| Time: | Formerly 11 am- 2 pm |
The organic gardens at Ryton in Warwickshire used to host an annual wassailing event each January then Wassailing has moved to Brandon Marsh Nature Centre near Coventry. It was organised by local side Elephant Up a Pole Morris – you could expect morris dancing from several sides with different traditions, poetry recitations ,Morris Dancers encircling the main tree, then beating the ground with sticks, while the crowd made as much noise as they can to scare away evil spirits. Cider soaked toast was placed in the branches to encourage a bumper crop for the next seasons apple harvest.
Helpful Hints
It was usually at Brandon Marsh Nature Centre (formerly at Ryton Gardens). In 2020 it was on Sunday January 12th and as far as I know it hasn’t been held since so I assume the event has lapsed.
Click here for the venue website : http://www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/reserves/brandon-marsh
Photos by Lisa Lawrence (my Midlands Correspondent!) from when it took place at Ryton Organic Gardens.
This event is still alive. It is organised by Elephant Up A Pole morris side (Coventry) and is now based at Brandon Marsh nature reserve. This year (2016) it will happen on Sunday 24th January from about 11:00am (morris time!)
That’s great news Simon – I’ll update the site asap (and there’e still plenty of time until it happens so double thanks for letting me know in time!)