Molly dancers and musicians will take part in a strange ritual in a Suffolk village this weekend – under strict instruction from the whiffler and his whiffling stick.
Sweffling’s Wassail celebration on Saturday will also feature sweeping from the broom man, a series of strict dances and the hanging of cider-drenched toast from an apple tree – all under the watchful eyes of the brolly man.
The ancient tradition of wassailing is held in January in honour of the apple tree to ensure a bountiful harvest for the coming year.
Saturday’s celebration, organised by the Old Glory Molly Dancers, will see a torch-lit procession set off from Sweffling Village Hall at 7pm to The White Horse pub where the singing and dancing will take place.
It will feature male dancers in faces disguised with burnt cork and female musicians clad in black and green with headwear bedecked in ivy.
Audiences will be invited to donate to local charities.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here