Join us for the first ever Neighbouring Orchard wassail!
The Neighbouring Orchard is grown by individuals but rooted in community. Created by artist Annie Lord, it is an orchard formed of 200 apple trees which spread across North East Edinburgh and Musselburgh, found everywhere from front gardens to children’s play parks. To read more about the Neighbouring Orchard project click here.
This year, community song leader Jane Lewis has been working with local growers to co-create a new wassailing song for the Neighbouring Orchard. On Saturday 24th January we’ll host a ‘walking wassail’, visiting some of the apple trees growing in Portobello and singing our new song to them. We will meet at St Mark’s at 9.45am for a 10am start to learn the song, before heading out for our walk. We will then return to St Mark’s to warm up with some spiced apple juice. Home baking gratefully received!
Wassailing is an ancient pagan tradition that has been practiced for centuries. It is carried out in the winter months when the trees are bare. It is an occasion of singing, drinking and merriment, where bad spirits are warded off from the orchard and good health for the apple trees is bestowed.
Please dress for the weather. The walk will take place around Portobello, on pavements and footpaths. We will be outside for approximately 1 hour. All are welcome to this free event. Please book a space so we know how many to cater for.
If you’d like to make an apple-y day of it, walk up to Donkeyfield Orchard afterwards (opposite Brunstane Station), where Jane will be hosting their annual wassail from 2-4pm. This will be a chance to learn more wassailing songs.