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Midsomer Norton Wassail
Midsomer Norton residents and visitors are being invited to join in the town’s annual wassail on Saturday January 31st, a traditional celebration to encourage ‘good spirits’ and bless apple orchards for a bountiful harvest.
The event starts at the new Market Square on The Island, followed by a procession to the Town Park to make a traditional toast and ‘wake up’ the apple trees for a good year ahead.
The wassail celebration is free to attend for everyone and is being run by Somer Valley Rediscovered, Bath & North East Somerset Council and Midsomer Norton Community Trust.
Free activities on offer include face painting and crafty family workshops at The Island from 10am-12pm. Costume such as ivy, green face paint, and colourful bohemian clothes is encouraged. People are also invited to bring along pots, pans, bells and whistles to make a hullabaloo and ward off evil spirits.
The official procession will begin at 12pm outside the Town Hall in the Market Square on The Island. Master of Ceremonies, Trevor Hughes, the Cam Valley Morris Men, and will lead the procession to the entrance of the Town Park.
The afternoon’s entertainment in the Midsomer Norton Town Park will include a folk play, Morris dancing, and the wassail ceremony. Cider and apple cake will be available.
Event Schedule
Family Crafting and Music 10:00 – 12:00, in the Market Square on The Island, BA3 2HQ
- Morris Dancer Bell Pads making workshop
- Crown making workshop
- Face painting
- Sing-A-Ling music Workshop
- Live music
Wassail High Street Procession 12:00 – 12:30. Starting from the Market Square on The Island
- Roaming musicians
- Cam Valley Morris Men
Wassail Ceremony 12:30 – 15:00, in the Midsomer Norton Town Park and Somer Centre Garden, Gullock Tyning, BA3 2UH
- Traditional Wassail ceremony
- Traditional Wassail song
- Morris dancing
- Live Music from Ninotchka and Rivers of England
- Willow Weaving crafting workshop
- Hot food from Nomads BBQ
- Complimentary cider or apple juice and apple cake
A Midsomer Norton Town Wassail Family and School Pack is available online for inspiration and information about crafting to decorate the high street.
The 2026 Wassail event is funded by West of England Combined Authority, Bath & North East Somerset Council and Midsomer Norton Community Trust.
This community event is free, open to everyone and suitable for all ages.
We encourage you to wrap up warm, wear suitable footwear, and bring pots, pans, bells and whistles to help our musicians make as much noise as possible! The procession route is flat and suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs.