Traditional Tudor Wassail

About

Join us at Michelham Priory House & Gardens for a magical event of dancing, drumming, fire and feasting to bless the trees and wish them good health for the year ahead!

Bring along a musical instrument, decorate yourself in foliage and feathers and join the torchlit procession to wake the apple trees from their slumber, scare away evil spirits and celebrate winter as the Tudors did.

The event will be led by traditional experts, who will help transport you back 500 years to when Wassailing was common across Sussex.

What's on offer:
Mythago will delight guests with their unique blend of Border/Bedlam Morris dancing. Their torchlit masked dances bring to life the ancient myths and legends of Albion – stories handed down through the ages, tales from the beginnings of time, from the dark ages of Britain.

Traditional singing from Hollington Mummers and live dancing from Gallyard Tudor Dancing, and much more.

Everyone's favourite jester, Devilstick Peat will be joining us entertaining crowds of all ages during the Family Wassail.

Delicious food from Ye Olde Spud Shoppe and Harold's Hog Roast will be on offer, plus a bar operated by Chiddingly Parish Bonfire Society (evening only).

Hot and cold refreshments are available at both the Family Wassail (2.45pm to 5pm) and the Adult-only Wassail (6pm to 9pm) and alcohol will be served at the adult event only.

Family Wassail
A family-friendly Wassail with no alcohol permitted or served.
2.45pm to 5pm

Book tickets – Family Wassail

Adult-only Wassail
Over 18s only at this evening Wassail with a licensed bar.
6pm to 9pm

Book tickets – Adult Wassail

Note: Entry to this event is by ticket only. No special offers (Gardener's World, English Heritage, Art Fund, Historic Houses, Blue Peter badges etc.) will be accepted. Free entry for members of Sussex Past does not apply at this event.

Tickets will not be available to purchase at the gate.

If you plan to park on-site, it is essential to purchase a parking ticket (£1) for each car you intend to bring. This helps us ensure that everyone who wishes to park can do so comfortably. We also encourage car-sharing wherever possible to maximise available spaces.

Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. View our ticket terms and conditions here.

Dogs are not permitted at this event (with the exception of assistance dogs) due to the nature of the event.

The event is being run in partnership with Martlet Productions.