A COMMUNITY orchard is set to host its 11th annual Wassail celebration in January.

Headless Cross Community Orchard is encouraging noisy revellers to an evening of traditional entertainment and hot spiced drinks.

A Wassail is an annual tradition to bless orchards ensuring a good harvest for the upcoming year.

Orchard volunteer Alistair Waugh said: "The annual Wassail was always the first celebration of the year in English folk custom, with noisy bangs and shouts to awaken the trees. 

“In counties like Worcestershire, where we have a lot of orchards, ensuring an abundant harvest for the year ahead was vital. 

“We're keeping that tradition alive, albeit with a modern flavour.”

The event, which is set to be held on Saturday, January 7, will meet at The Rocklands Social Club car park at 7 pm before a procession will be led to Headless Cross Green with music provided by Arrow Valley Brass Band.