Bermondsey Wassail

Wassail is an ancient tradition that celebrates the arrival of spring and wakes up the apple and pear trees so that they bear fruit. The Blue Market is proud to host Bermondsey’s 3rd Annual Wassail organised by Trees for Bermondsey and the Rouel Blue Garden Club. 

This year’s Wassail coincides with the launch of Bermondsey Literary Festival, there will be a launch event in Blue Anchor Library at 1.30pm with an illustrated talk by noted crime historian Dr. Angela Buckley. 

There will be free workshops for all the family in The Blue Market from 2pm – 4.30pm 

• Lantern Making with Frog Morris from Illuminate Bermondsey
• Make crowns and garlands with Trees for Bermondsey
• Drawing workshop with Rouel Blue Garden Club: help us design a new mural for the lock up in Rouel Estate Community Garden
• Greening the Blue Repair Week Workshop with litter picking, recycling information and a Book Swap to celebrate the launch of Bermondsey Literary Festival
• Practise singing and playing the Wassails accompanied by some special guests
• Plus more to be announced! 

This is a great opportunity for people of all ages to get creative and join in.  

At 4.30pm, our Green Man and Musicians will lead a lantern procession to nearby Rouel Estate Community Orchard, where the Wassailing will take place from 5pm – 6pm. Mulled cider and non-alcoholic fruit punch will be served. Participants are encouraged to bring along something to wake up the spirits of the trees, such as a pot and wooden spoon, a drum, bells, a musical instrument or a horn. 

The Bermondsey Wassail is funded by Southwark Council’s Neighbourhoods Fund