Villagers armed with pots and pans blessed the orchards in Wick St Lawrence on Saturday night.

Weston Mercury: Wick St Lawrence Church Wassail at Icelton Farm, mulled cider and apple juice being served. Picture: MARK ATHERTONWick St Lawrence Church Wassail at Icelton Farm, mulled cider and apple juice being served. Picture: MARK ATHERTON (Image: Archant)

People flocked to Icelton Farm in Wick Road to take part in the pagan tradition of wassailing, where apple trees are blessed in order to achieve a successful harvest.

The celebration was organised by Wick St Lawrence Church and was the second wassail event to be held in the village.

Mulled wine, hot dogs and soup were served up.

Weston Mercury: Warm cider and a warm fire at Wick St Lawrence Church Wassail. Picture: MARK ATHERTONWarm cider and a warm fire at Wick St Lawrence Church Wassail. Picture: MARK ATHERTON (Image: Archant)

Wassail queen Zoe Vowles led to procession as revellers sang songs, while toast was hung on tree branches and a shot gun was fired to warn off evil spirits.

Organiser Elizabeth Parsons said: “It was a fantastic evening, we had around 70 people join in.

“We are one of the few remaining farms to have a cider orchard in the area.

“This is only the second wassail event we have hosted but it was a great success and we hope to enjoy a successful and fruitful crop this year.”