JOIN the torchlight procession at the National Trust’s Swan Barn Farm to its annual Winter Wassail event on Friday (Jan 17).

The entertainment from 6pm to 9pm involves pagan ‘spirit warding’ at the ceremony performed to banish ‘evil spirits’ from the orchards and ensure a bumper apple crop.

Traditionally, everyone makes as much noise as possible and a piece of toast soaked in cider is hung on the branches to attract the good spirits, while cider is sprinkled around the roots of the tree.

Swan Barn’s orchard includes native varieties dating back more than 100 years and the juice is pressed to make its own cider.

After the ceremony, revellers can enjoy Swan Barn-produced cider and apple juice, as well as food.

Head ranger David Elliott said: “What we are trying to do here at Swan Barn Farm is plant new apple trees and orchards and get people involved so the orchards have a future. ”