A Toast to the Trees, The Stamford Wassail Returns for 2026

A Toast to the Trees, The Stamford Wassail Returns for 2026

If you find yourself in Stamford this Saturday, don’t be alarmed if you hear the rhythmic clanging of pots and pans echoing through the crisp winter air. It isn’t a kitchen mishap it’s the Stamford Wassail, a vibrant revival of an ancient English tradition designed to wake up the apple trees and ensure a bountiful harvest for the year ahead.

Taking place on Saturday, 3 January 2026, this community celebration merges folklore, creativity, and a bit of good-natured noise.

The Schedule: From Lanterns to Orchards

The festivities are split into three distinct parts, making it a perfect afternoon for families and folklore enthusiasts alike.

• 2:30 PM | Lantern Making Workshop: Kick things off at Christ Church on Green Lane. Hosted in partnership with Art Pop Up, this workshop allows participants to craft their own light for the evening procession.

  • Note: Booking via Eventbrite is required for the workshop.   (SOLD OUT)

• 4:00 PM | Lantern Procession: As the twilight deepens, the community will gather to carry their handmade lanterns in a glowing parade toward the orchard.

• 4:30 PM | The Wassail: The main event takes place at the Stamford Community Orchard (located at the bottom of Christ Church Close). This is where the "noise" begins!

What Exactly is a "Wassail"?

The word "Wassail" comes from the Anglo-Saxon phrase 'waes hael', meaning "be well." Historically, cider-producing communities would gather in orchards during the depths of winter to ward off bad spirits and "serenade" the trees.

During the Stamford event, you can expect:

• Singing to the Trees: Traditional folk songs to encourage the spirits of the orchard.

• The Incantation: A rhythmic "noise-making" session to ensure the trees are well-rested and ready for spring.

• Community Spirit: A gathering organised by the Stamford Community Orchard Group, Art Pop Up, and South Kesteven District Council.

Your Wassail Checklist

To participate fully in this "noisy old English custom," you’ll need to come prepared. The organizers suggest bringing:

Item	Purpose
Old Saucepan & Spoon	To create the necessary racket to "wake" the trees.
Whistles & Horns	The louder, the better!
Torches/Flashlights	To navigate the orchard as evening falls.
Warm Clothing	It’s January in Lincolnshire layer up!
Ribbons	To decorate your person or even the branches of the trees.

Event Details at a Glance

• Date: Saturday, 3 January 2026

• Time: 14:30 – 17:30

• Location: Stamford Community Orchard, PE9 1HS (Starting at Christ Church Close)

• Cost: Check Eventbrite for workshop booking; the Wassail itself is a community-led gathering.

Whether you're there for the history, the art, or simply the chance to bang a wooden spoon against a pot in public, the Stamford Wassail promises a magical, rowdy start to the New Year.