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Buy photos » Bromsgrove’s town crier Kevin Ward, Wassail Queen Elinor Braithwaite and Redditch mayor Alan Mason. (s)
HEADLESS Cross was filled with the sight of more than 100 residents beating drums, saucepans and biscuit tins in a bid to ensure a good apple harvest.
The second annual Wassail at the district's community orchard included entertainment from Arrow Valley Brass Band, a cry from Bromsgrove's town crier and a visit from folklorists Karen and Colin Cater from Essex.
Researcher Mr Cater said: "This is only their second ever Wassail, yet the folks of Headless Cross really know how to put on a traditional event. I noticed influences from Herefordshire orchard folklore and Cornish customs too.
"I love the way they're also making their own tradition. If I'm still walking this earth in ten years' time, I'd like to return to Redditch and see their community orchard in maturity."
The next event will be a May Fayre on May Bank Holiday Monday, with working days on the green on the second Saturday of each month. Visit
www.headlessxorchard.org.uk or join the Facebook group for more information.
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