A MORRIS dance group from Hook will take part in an ancient tradition of blessing an orchard in Hartley Wintney.
Hook Eagle Morris will carry out the tradition of Wassailing at the Vaughn Community Orchard on Friday, January 12.
Wassailing is an annual tradition of blessing orchards to ensure a good harvest for the year to come. The Anglo-Saxon celebration, involving music, song and dancing, traditionally took place on Twelfth Night.
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It has become popular in the last few years and the group believe it "is a great way to not only keep traditions alive but to promote Morris Dancing in a positive light".
The day has been an annual event since Hartley Wintney planted an orchard of varieties of English apples to mark the new millennium.
Meeting at 7pm outside the Waggon and Horses pub, High Street, the torchlit procession will move to the orchard for the Wassail Ceremony and blessing.
The procession regularly attracts an audience of around 300 people and is known to be a great evening’s free entertainment.
The group will also be performing at the Butser Ancient Farm Wassail on Friday, January 19.
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