Lyme Regis Museum’s annual celebration of Old Twelfth Night

Lyme Regis Museum’s annual celebration of Old Twelfth Night – the West Country custom of wassailing the apple trees to ensure a good crop – takes place on Saturday January 14.

It begins at 3pm with mulled cider or apple juice being served in the museum. Outside, Uplyme Morris Men will perform their dances, including a new addition to the repertoire dedicated to the apple tree. Children are invited to take part in the ceremony of The Toast, and Adrian Pearson will lead the singing of the wassail song (song sheets provided).

Uplyme Morris Men wassailing the apple
trees at last year’s museum celebration

Then comes the premiere of Mummer’s the Word!, Harry Ford’s witty revival of an ancient winter play with the comforting message that out of darkness comes light. With live music, grotesque masks, flaming torches and a real horse the mummers will perform then promenade along Coombe Street to George’s Square, with further scenes en route, finishing at St Michael’s Church with mulled ale.
Everyone is invited to wrap up warm and follow them through the streets of Lyme. Everything is free.