A HISTORIC folk celebration will be held at the Museum of Power this Sunday.

A Wassail will be held at the museum in Langford on Sunday January 22 from 11am.

The Wassailing ceremony dates back centuries, first records being from the 17th century.

The orchard-visiting wassail refers to the ancient custom of visiting orchards in cider-producing regions of England, such as areas in the Dengie, and reciting incantations and singing to the trees to promote a good harvest for the coming year, and to share in freshly produced mulled-cider.

In attendance during the day will be the Maldon-based morris dance group Dark Horse Morris, who were formed in 1995, mostly from dancers in other local sides who wanted to dance 'Border style' Morris.

Four apple trees will be planted on the day, and will be the start of plans to expand the museum’s orchard. There will also be hot food, the Wibblers brewery, acoustic music, and a blessing of the apple trees, which will be planted by councillors from the Langford and Ulting Parish Council and another gentleman donating two trees.

The other two trees will be donated by Oliver's Nurseries and Claremont Nursery.

The ceremony lasts from 11am to 4pm and is free entry.

Visit www.museumofpower.org.uk.