Old English tradition of wassailing making a comeback in Keston

Wassailing, which involves singing to apple trees to produce a good harvest, has been long forgotten in many parts of the country, but a group in Keston are trying to revive its popularity.

Around 60 people joined the festivities at the Two Doves pub in Oakley Road.

The ritual involves throwing salt over the tree for purification, followed by lodging bits of cider-soaked bread in its crooks.

It is then completed by a song, with the audience joining the wassailer to make as much noise as possible.

Wassailer David Hicks, 51, of Gareth Grove, Grove Park, said: “I had seen wassailing take place in other parts of Kent, then I read in a book about it happening in Keston so I thought it would be a good idea to revive it.

"It’s definitely got more popular over the past five years. More local people were interested this year so hopefully it will keep growing."

“This is an important piece of local heritage which is distinctive to Keston and we've had a lot of fun reviving and continuing the tradition.”

Wassailer's song

Stand fast root
Bear well top
May God send us a good youling crop
Every twig, apple big
Every bough, apples enow
Hats full, caps full
Three bushel sacks full
Some in my pockets and some under the stairs
Hollar boys, hollar!