This is a wee taster as this Saturday is a day not to miss in Stroud – Stroud Wassail – see film of last year’s amazing event: https://stroudcommunity.tv/stroud-wassail-2015/

Stephen Rowley, who uploaded this film band was Wassail Chancellor last year, writes: “This song was sung around the pubs in Stroud in the late C19th early C20th. It was a common custom in Stroud area to go wassailing (pronounces waysailing) around the houses, especially in the villages. There are many wassail songs from the area, from Brockweir down through what is now South Gloucestershire and into Wiltshire. Ralph Vaughan Williams drew upon these songs when he published ‘The Gloucestershire Wassail’ which is know sung all over the world. The origins of this custom are over 1000 years old. The purpose is to wish your friends and neighbours prosperity and good health throughout the coming year. The word ‘wassail’ comes from old english meaning ‘be of good health’. As such it is the earliest form of the toast ‘ Here’s to your health’.”

Find out more on
www.gloschristmas.com
www.glostrad.com

See more at:  www.stroudwassail.co