Wassail

Today was the annual Tarring wassail, or blessing of the apple trees. There was a torch lit procession, Morris dancing, violin playing, wassailing, musket firing, cider drinking and general merry making.
Part of the merry making was the Mummer's play; an early predecessor to the panto. This one had a modern twist, which included this 'viking' and a reference to Iceland beating England in the Euro's. That made my evening, I have to say! The players looked a bit baffled at the single cheer in the crowd, and were amused when I explained later, having not expected an Icelandic person in their audience!
Then a pint and some rousing songs in the pub. A splendid evening!