THE ever popular Colwall Wassail will be held on Saturday, January 19.

The annual event has been run by Colwall Orchard Group since 2009 and each year it gets bigger, louder and more popular!

The crowd is invited to gather at Colwall Stone, in the village centre at 5.30pm and the Old Meg Morris Dancers will entertain until the torch-lit procession begins, led by The Butler and musicians, accompanied by the rhythm of drums and horns and the clatter of pots and pans!

There's plenty of dressing up in rags and fancy hats adorned with winter greenery and bird feathers.

At the orchard The Butler, disguised to ensure he is never identified, leads a ceremony to awaken the trees for the harvest to come.

Wassail comes from the old English Waes Hael meaning 'be in good health'.

The tradition involves: encouraging nature to thrive by feeding bread to the birds; perking up the fruit trees with a good sprinkling of cider; and waking the trees by making lots of noise!

There will be singing around the bonfire; a pig roast and veggie pasties; and a bar with mulled cider to keep you warm. Entry £3 for adults - children free.

For more information about Colwall Wassail visit the Colwall Orchard Group events page at colwallorchardgroup.org or follow on Facebook.