Wassailing at Dapdune Wharf, Guildford

This will be Dapdune Wharf's first Wassail, a traditional celebration to awaken the fruit trees in the orchard and help them grow strong for the coming season, and to ward off unfriendly spirits by making lots of noise.

The tea shop, book shop will be open from 11am.
Our Wassail activities will be open from 12noon.
Activities will take place in the Boat Shed area where you can create your own colourful Wassail headdress or take part in other seasonal activities.. Our face painter will also be on hand to decorate you in the festive spirit (please note there is an additional charge). Come dressed warmly as it will be outdoors, and why not wear something red or green.

We also need to make some noise during the procession so please bring from home some bells or a pot or pan lid that you bash with a wooden spoon, you'll help drive out the unfriendly spirits from the fruit trees.

The Pilgrim Morris dancers will entertain us with some traditional songs and dances prior to the procession at 2pm, where everyone is asked to join in with. Once at the Orchard the children will then help with main ceremony by joining in with a special rhyme and then placing toast soaked in apple juice on the fruit trees.
Afterwards have a cup of warm spice apple juice in the orchard.

The event will take place outside in all weathers, so please dress in suitable clothing and footwear.

PARKING IS LIMITED at the Wharf, please use nearby car parks, car share, or use public transport where possible.
The event will only be cancelled for high winds or flood.

The event is being run by one of our external providers, with support from the Woking Sea Rangers, Surrey Forest School Association and the Pilgrim Morris Dancers. We thank them for all their help and support with the event.

PLEASE NOTE PARKING IS LIMITED AT THE WHARF

Please use nearby public car parks, car share or use public transport where possible.

When you arrive please have your booking email and report to the arrivals hut.