Wassailing

Join staff and trustees for our unique take on this century’s old tradition which is more panto than pagan and kicks off our yearly programme of events.  This is a free event and booking is not required. Just turn up on the day!

Our wassailers will use pots, pans, drums and anything else that could raise an almighty din to scare away malevolent forces from our orchards and to awaken our apple trees from their winter slumber. It is an essential event to ensure a good crop of apples the following autumn.

The word ‘Wassail’ is derived from the Old Norse “Ves heill”, from whence came the Old English salutation “Wes Hal”, meaning “Be in good health”. The correct response is “Drinc hael” – “I drink to your health”.

Decorate yourself with some ivy, leaves and feathers.  Bring along something to make a noise like a musical instrument or a pot and spoon and a torch, appropriate clothing and footwear.

The Wassailers will meet at the Visitor Centre and sing the Wassail Song. They will then appoint the Wassail Queen who soaks pieces of toast with apple juice from last year’s crop. The Wassail Possession slowly marches to Cell Barnes Orchard. Torches will lead the way. Once at the Orchard, children will protect our trees by hanging the toast slices in them to attract the good spirits. The event will concluded back at the Visitor Centre for a cup of mulled cider for the adults and squash for the children. As someone once said, it’s brilliant but bonkers.

Please note that the Visitor Centre has a large, free car park for attendees to use.

The car park grid reference: TL17160611.

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Travelling by road

Visitors from outside the area are most likely to approach the Park from the M25 motorway.  Exit via Junction 22 (London Colney exit) and follow the signs for St Albans along the A1081 to the A414 roundabout.  Continue to follow the A1081 signs into St Albans and at the next roundabout turn right into Highfield Park Drive.  Continue straight on at the next roundabout (note the “Welcome to Highfield Park” sign), the road then bears to the left and becomes Highfield Lane. For the Highfield Park Visitor Centre turn left at the next mini roundabout on to Hill End Lane.  The entrance to the park is on the left (wooden field gate and signage) opposite the end of Frobisher Road. Follow the road round into the car park.