THE Shoemakers Museum in Street will take part in the first Wassail since it opened.

From 2pm until 4.30pm on Sunday (January 18), the attraction’s historic orchard will host music, storytelling, theatre and a traditional tree-blessing ceremony.

Ticket holders for the museum – which documents the history of shoemaking in Street and around Somerset – are invited to take part in the event.

Wassailing, which dates back centuries, honours the apple tree and calls in a fruitful harvest for the year ahead, with participants singing to the trees, making noise to ward off evil spirits and share cider as a blessing for good health and good crops.

Crown-making sessions will run in the education room from 1pm before a procession begins and Wassail festivities begin from 2pm.

People are encouraged to wear creative attire inspired by the tradition – with prizes up for grabs for the most imaginative crowns and costumes.

The event is included with general museum admission, which also includes free access to the museum for a full year, as well as free parking at Clarks Village.

Tickets are available via the museum’s website at shoemakersmuseum.org.uk.

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