THE Kempley Wassail event is being hailed by organisers as both a great fund-raising success and a revival of a great rural tradition.

Highlights included a torchlit procession, a big bonfire, and the serving of hot, mulled cider.

It was only the second time in three decades that wassailing has taken place in a Kempley orchard.

And the event, which took place in January, raised £600 for the Kempley Village Hall Redevelopment Fund.

Spokesman, Martin Brocklehurst said: “The evening was sold out and thanks to local volunteers we had a fantastic fun evening.

"For only the second time in 30 years the Kempley Wassail was held in a local orchard, and took place to continue an old rural tradition."

He added: "The celebration avoided the rain and began with hot mulled Chiblers Perry, donated by Geoff Newman.

"The cider orchard was lit up by a massive bonfire, followed by singing and a traditional homage to awaken the Orchard for 2017.

"Flaming torches escorted revellers to the village hall, which was decorated with mistletoe, broom and dogwood. Folk songs were led by Dave Blick, Barbara Sanigar, Roy Stirzaker and friends."

There was then a telling wassailing myths and legends, which was accompanied hot food prepared by local cooks, "giving all who attended a full stomach and a merry time to remember".

Wassailing is a traditional ritual to bless apple orchards at the turn of a New Year, but the origins of the spectacle and celebration are somewhat lost in time.

However, wassailing is certainly recorded as happening in the south of England, in Elizabethan times, more than 400 years ago.