Long before the tradition of carolling, festive revellers would go house-to-house, exchanging songs for money, food and ale.
Coming from the old English waes hael, 'wassail' is a toast wishing good.
In November/December 2025 Eliza Carthy and Jon Boden combine their considerable talents and reputations within the UK folk scene, for a nationwide wassail, wishing good health to all across key venues.
Presenting seasonal material, among a stage of illuminated Christmas trees, they will take audiences back to some of the oldest songs in the English canon, spreading good cheer and lighting up the darkest days of the year.
Photo by Kate Griffin
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