A TRADITIONAL evening of wassail and making merry by South West Lakes Trust staff, volunteer Jacky Pearce and the Stone Soup storytellers takes place at Roadford Outdoor + Active Centre on January 18.

In the cider-producing counties of the South West and South East of England, wassailing refers to a traditional ceremony that involves singing and drinking the health of trees in the hope that they might better thrive. The purpose of wassailing is to awaken the cider apple trees and to scare away evil spirits to ensure a good harvest.

Tickets are £5 per adult and £3 per child.  The evening will start from 6.30pm with mulled cider or apple juice and apple cake with a short history of the wassail. This will be followed by singing, stories and a torchlight procession to the ceremony of the wassail with music, more singing and stories, as evil spirits are driven away and the apple trees are toasted. 

Jacky Pearce said: 'Wassail is such a fun event and a great excuse to join in with singing and noise-making.  The Stone Soup storytellers are joining us with stories and songs for children and adults alike.'

Waterproof footwear and warm clothing are advised.  Bring torches and noise-making items, such as old pans and wooden spoons.

For information or to book call 01566 771930 or go to http://www.swlakestrust.org.uk">www.swlakestrust.org.uk