Villagers enjoy wassail at Blagdon orchard

Rifleman Alan Barwick, Apple Queen Lesley Barwick and organiser Julie Chamberlain at Blagdon Wassail in the Community Orchard. Picture: MARK ATHERTON (Image: Archant)

Scores of families met at the New Inn to take part in the unusual tradition, which involves blessing the trees for this year's harvest.

Somerset Morris put on a lively performance to kick off the festivities.

Lesley Barwick was crowned apple queen, and the villagers made their way to Eldred's orchards to take part in the ceremony.

Cider-soaked toast was hung from the branches of the apple trees, and children banged their pots and pans to scare away any spirits.

Rifleman Alan Barwick at Blagdon Wassail in the Community Orchard. Picture: MARK ATHERTON (Image: Archant)

Rifleman Alan Barwick let off some shots before the trees were blessed, and the ceremony held.

Villagers passed around the friendship cup to sample the cider made from last year's fruit.

The celebrations continued at the New Inn, in Park Lane.

Wassailing is a pagan tradition to ensure a good cider apple harvest for the following year.

Apple Queen Lesley Barwick at Blagdon Wassail in the Community Orchard. Picture: MARK ATHERTON (Image: Archant)

The Friendship Cup at Blagdon Wassail in the Community Orchard. Picture: MARK ATHERTON (Image: Archant)

Sharing the Friendship Cup at Blagdon Wassail in the Community Orchard. Picture: MARK ATHERTON (Image: Archant)

Sharing the Friendship Cup at Blagdon Wassail in the Community Orchard. Picture: MARK ATHERTON (Image: Archant)

Sharing the Friendship Cup at Blagdon Wassail in the Community Orchard. Picture: MARK ATHERTON (Image: Archant)

Blagdon Wassail in the Community Orchard. Picture: MARK ATHERTON (Image: Archant)

Apple Queen Lesley Barwick at Blagdon Wassail in the Community Orchard. Picture: MARK ATHERTON (Image: Archant)

Blagdon Wassail in the Community Orchard. Picture: MARK ATHERTON (Image: Archant)