CAMELFORD is preparing for the traditional wassail at the Community Orchard, Lanteglos.

The apple wassail is a very old tradition practised in the apple orchards of southern England during the winter.

The purpose of wassailing is to ‘bless’ the trees to produce a good harvest for the coming year and generally took place on Twelfth Night (January 5), or sometimes on January 17, known as Old Twelfth Night.

This annual family annual event is taking place on Saturday, January 20 from 6pm onwards.

A spokesman for Camelford Town Council said: “If you like to dress up and decorate yourself with some ivy, leaves and feathers and bring along something to make a noise, like a musical instrument or a pot and spoon, that would be great but not necessary! For those with dogs, we would advise they stay at home, unless they are ok with loud noises, as we will be firing a rifle, as is tradition.”

The Wassail King and Queen will be leading the celebrations together with Tywardreath Morris Dancers and the Rivermoor Coven.