What is the Stamford Wassail parade?

The Stamford Wassail parade is a traditional event at the start of January, involving singing to trees and making noise to ensure a good apple harvest.

When is the Stamford Wassail parade and workshop?

The free workshop is held before the Stamford Wassail parade on Saturday, January 3rd.

Why do people sing to trees and bang pots?

This is part of the traditional English wassail custom to bless the orchards and encourage a plentiful apple harvest for the year.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Sing to Trees! Stamford Wassail Parade Returns

Sing to Trees! Stamford Wassail Parade Returns

15 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Workshop teaches singing to trees and banging pots for harvest.
The traditional English wassail happens at the start of January.
A free workshop is offered before the Stamford Wassail parade on Saturday.

Sing to Trees! Stamford Wassail Parade Returns

Residents are invited to a unique workshop to learn the art of singing to trees and making a spirited racket with old saucepans. This event revives the traditional English wassail, a custom historically held at the beginning of January to bless apple orchards and ensure a bountiful harvest.

South Kesteven District Council is hosting this free workshop in anticipation of the upcoming Stamford Wassail parade. The event promises a lively atmosphere, encouraging participants to embrace the rowdy spirit of this ancient festival. It aims to connect modern communities with a cherished tradition.

Councillor Paul Stokes expressed enthusiasm for supporting this "rowdy Old English orchard wassailing festival." Traditionally observed around Old Twelfth Night, the wassail embodies a community effort to foster prosperity for the apple harvest, blending festive noise with agricultural hope.