We just wanted to share a quick update to let you know that the Wassail is currently still going ahead as planned and we’re very much looking forward to celebrating with you.
We’re keeping a close and careful eye on the weather forecast and if there are any changes at all, we’ll be sure to let everyone know promptly via email and our social media channels.
To help everyone stay as warm and comfortable as possible, we’ve made a few adjustments to maximise the indoor space available.
As the Wassail does include an outdoor ceremony, we still highly recommend coming prepared for winter weather. Waterproofs and Wellington boots are strongly encouraged so you can relax and enjoy the festivities whatever the conditions.
Thank you so much for your patience and understanding. We can’t wait to welcome you for what we hope will be a joyful and memorable Wassail.
Join Sheppy's Cider to celebrate the ancient ritual of Wassail. SOLD OUT EVENT
Wassail 2026
Friday 23rd Jan 5:30 PM - 10 PM
Sheppy's House of Cider, TA4 1ER
Join Sheppy's Cider to celebrate the ancient ritual of Wassail on Friday, 23rd January 2026.
Doors open from 5:30pm - ceremony starts at 6.45pm
Food | Fires | Cider
Join us for an evening of chanting, dancing and tradition to help us ensure that next year’s harvest is a good one. This is an adult event and not suitable for children or dogs.
Wassail gets its name from an old English term “waes hael” meaning “be well” which was shouted like a toast with the reply “drinc hael” meaning “drink and be healthy” at festivities in the darkest days of January as far back as Saxon times. There are several types of Wassailing tradition (most involving hot spiced alcohol) but the important one for all cider-makers is blessing their apple trees.
Your ticket price covers admission at the gate for the ceremony, food followed by a barn dance. This year we are offering as the food option pasties (beef or vegan with a gluten free option) serve with spicy potato wedges
Itinerary
5:30 pm Gates Open
5:45 pm Food starts (closes 8.15 pm)
6:15 pm Last Admission for Cars
6:45 pm Ceremony begins with the Taunton Morris Men heading into the orchards
8:00 pm Barn Dance with Folk dancing and drinking with Fresh Aire in our Old Barn
10:00 pm Event closes
We are now fully sold out of car parking tickets. Why not take public transport to the event? Bus 22 stops directly outside the House of Cider and runs all evening. There will also be a taxi and drop off point in the main entrance to the House of Cider.
Our Friday Night restaurant and bar will be closed this night for the event.