Oxford City Farm staged a Wassail event today and it was JOYFUL.

A wassail is "the ancient custom of visiting orchards in cider-producing regions of England, reciting incantations and singing to the trees to promote a good harvest for the coming year". There are traditional poems and songs and today was no different.

Bathed in beautiful sunshine the visitors to the farm walked around the site singing songs and playing instruments. The sheep loved it, looking wonderfully relaxed whilst the music swirled around them and the bonfire crackled.

Goodgymers served as a welcome party on the gate, ably assisted in the cafe, and encouraged visitors to leave feedback on the blackboard.

It was a gorgeously wholesome afternoon and wonderful to finish in early evening when it was still light! Spring is coming.

In the words of the poet Robert Herrick (1591-1674)

Wassail the trees, that they may bear You many a plum and many a pear: For more or less fruits they will bring, As you do give them wassailing.