SCARE away the bad spirits and toast to good health in the orchard when a popular wassail celebration returns.

The annual, ancient event will take place in Bridport Community Orchard tomorrow with an abundance of cider, apple juice, storytelling and noise.

Storyteller Martin Maudsley will lead the traditional ceremony, with music from Wyld Morris and people encouraged to dance and sing around the trees to encourage a bumper apple harvest in the autumn.

Keep warm by the open fire and don’t forget to bring trumpets, whistles, drums and anything that will make a loud noise to scare away the bad spirits.

Paul Arthur, a member of the Bridport Community Orchard committee, said: “This is a fantastic, fun event where the local community gathers together around the apple trees, has a good old sing song, keeps the cold at bay by drinking hot apple juice and mulled cider, whilst thoroughly enjoying Martin’s mesmerising storytelling. It’s an event not to be missed.”

The event takes place from 2.30pm on Sunday, but before the wassail celebration, volunteers are encouraged to help at the orchard’s first work party of the year at 10am.

Jobs include tree pruning, general hedge maintenance, compost management, weeding, the tidying of the pond and a bonfire. Refreshments will be provided.

The group will also be holding its AGM on Thursday, January 23 at 7.30pm in Bridport Town Hall. Nominations for committee membership must be with secretary Paul Arthur at least seven days before the meeting by calling 01308 423817. Following the meeting, there will be a question and answer session.