A MUSEUM welcomed in the new year with a “joyous” celebration.

The Museum of Power, in Hatfield Road, Langford, hosted its Crank Up and Wassail community day on New Year’s Day for scores of families.

The attraction showcases a host of power machines, equipment and tools from the last century.

The museum gave visitors the chance to have an up close look at ‘Marshall’ – the largest steam pumping engine working in Essex.

Families were also treated to traditional performances from the Dark Horse Morris Dancers, who entertained the crowds throughout the afternoon.

One of the dancers was Eric Teverson, who has given a huge amount of time to the museum as a volunteer over the past few years.

Museum manager Debbie Thomas said his appearance made the event “even more special” for the museum.

Festive food and drinks were served for parents and children to enjoy, traditional folk songs were sung by performers Random Folk and Liz Le Fay, and the museum’s fruit orchard was also opened up for the day.

Mrs Thomas said: “The blessing of the new fruit trees in the orchard commenced with a procession led by the Mari Lwyd (a hobby horse) and Lyz Le Faye who then led the ceremony, raising the wassail toast of ‘waes hael’, meaning ‘be well’.

In response the watching crowd cheered ‘drink hael’, meaning ‘drink well’, reflecting the blessing for the crop to be bountiful.

“The mayor of Maldon, Jeanette Stilts, and Irene Allen, churchwarden of St Giles’ Church in Langford, proudly planted the apple and pear trees kindly donated by Claremont Nurseries.

“After the trees receiving the blessing, Alan Wildman then blasted shots across the tree to ensure only good spirits would exist to bring a bountiful crop of fruit.”

The museum is hosting a range of events throughout 2019.

To find out more, visit museumofpower.org.uk.