Wassailing 2017

Wassailing is an ancient custom that is rarely performed today. The word 'wassail' comes from the Anglo-Saxon phrase 'waes hael', which means 'good health'.

They will be performing the Wassailing ritual and toasting the apple trees with Cider on the Parade Ground, complete with traditional Morris dancing plus firing of cannons and muskets to ward off evil spirits. They will then retire to the underground tunnels for an evening of Kentish Mummers Plays adapted for Chatham, with storytelling and folk music by Kentish Band Larkspur.

There will be a bar and BBQ available, and complimentary cider or apple juice will provided for the ceremony – so come and join in the ancient merriment!

Parking will not be available at the Fort, apart from some limited availability for disabled blue badge holders, but can be found at the Brook, the Library, Pentagon Centre and Gun Wharf – all are within a short walk of the Fort.