PEOPLE are invited to bring along their pots and pans to a community garden in Newquay to help ward off evil spirits.

Newquay Orchard is staging its annual community Wassail celebration to help inspire a good harvest on Saturday, January 10 between 12.30pm and 4pm.

A wassail parade will be held at 2.30pm, where the ‘Wassail tree’ will be soaked in cider and decorated in toast.

The pagan ritual acts as a sort of blessing of the Orchard’s apple trees and to ward off evil spirits through banging, crashing and music.

Campfire crafts and a head wreath workshop will be held at 12.30pm. Cornish folk band Backalong will perform at 1pm and there will be storytelling at 2pm. Backalong will perform again at 3pm.

An Orchard spokesperson said: “Step into the New Year with warmth and togetherness at our beloved Newquay Orchard Wassail celebration.

“It’s a cherished tradition where we come together to embrace the spirit of community, ward off winter spirits, and raise a toast to a fruitful harvest for the year ahead.

“At the end of the parade the Wassail Queen feeds the Wassail tree by pouring apple juice over its roots and decorating its branches with slices of toast, an offering to welcome the good spirit represented by the robin. And together, we will sing the Wassail song.

“Our Wassail is a joyous occasion, a vibrant symphony of song in the deep midwinter.

“Rooted in the traditions of Anglo-Saxon England and pagan customs, the word Wassail originates from the phrase ‘waes hael,’ which wishes good health.

“Dress for outdoor celebrations. Mask making and pots and pans are encouraged to help us ward off evil spirits that may be lurking in the orchard and to wake up the apple trees from their winter slumber.

“We can’t wait to welcome people to the Orchard, a symbol of community, good health and hope.

“It is completely free to come and join in the festivities. Don’t forget your pots and pans.”