More than 150 visitors attended an old English tradition known as wassailing earlier this month.

Wassailing is the blessing apple trees in the hope of a fruitful harvest, held for the first time in Waltham Abbey Gardens on Saturday, January 4.

Equipped with drums, whistles, pots, pans, the assembled crowd set about making a racket to scare off evil spirits and ‘wake’ the orchard ahead of the coming year.

Guests enjoyed traditional folk music, Morris dancing and a barbecue, washed down with mulled cider and apple juice to mark the occasion.

Epping Forest Guardian:

Over 150 guests enjoyed a barbeque, folk music glasses of cider and apple juice to mark the wassailing

A ‘the wishing tree’ was also erected where visitors and residents penned their wishes for the future regarding nature, with answers including more trees, green spaces and less pollution.

North Ranger Amy Lewis, said, ‘‘I’ve always wanted to host a Wassailing event and was so pleased by the fantastic turnout.

“The event was a big success and many people were asking if it would be happening next year. The Morris dancers were great and very keen to come back.

“The wishing tree was lovely and the sentiments people shared were beautiful.’’