Lauriston Farm Orchard Wassailing

Join us in the Lauriston Farm Community Orchard in north Edinburgh for folk songs and merry noise-making with bells and drums, to celebrate and protect our beloved orchard trees and wish them a good year ahead. This is a fun and heart-warming event organised by the brilliant Community Orchard volunteers. Suitable for all ages, free and no booking required.

We will have hot drinks and ‘make your own shaking stick’ craft table, plus greenery to adorn you if you want to look leafy for the occasion. Dressing up encouraged and welcome, but not compulsory!

Orchard Wassailing is an ancient tradition in orchard care. The story goes that it frightens away any evil spirits lurking in the orchard. Of course, it also brings the community together and makes people feel protective towards the trees - which definitely helps protect them. By upholding, reviving and reinventing these traditions, we renew our connection with the land and with each other, and make the living world more vivid in our minds and hearts.

If you’ve never Wassailed before, come along and give it a try. And if you’re an old hand, join us with your stories. Come all ye!