CIDER makers are set to revive an ancient ceremony which dates back thousands of years.

The Big Bear Cider Mill, in Stisted, is getting ready to hold a traditional wassailing event next Saturday at 5pm.

Wassailing is an ancient pagan tradition of welcoming a crop and should bring good fortune to apple orchards.

The ritual is said to frighten off any evil spirits that want to harm the trees.

The word wassail comes from from the Anglo-Saxon ‘was hael’ which means good health.

Rituals are overseen by the Green Man.

The Green Man is deeply rooted in a host of customs and traditions and is also known as the Wild Man, Jack-in-the-Green, the Green Knight, the May King and even Robin Hood.

Many pubs have been named after the character.

Big Bear Cider Mill spokesman Rikki Lovett will play the role of the Green Man this year.

Rikki said: “Wassailing is a tradition steeped in history and pagan roots.

“I’m delighted to keep up this tradition and bring it back to Essex.

“Although associated with the West Country, the first documented wassailing happened in St Albans in 1457.

“The wassail doesn’t have to follow an exact pattern, but involves placing pieces of toast amongst the branches of the tree as an offering to the creatures of the orchard, particularly our resident robin, who is a symbol of good fortune for the orchard.

“Cider is then poured among the boughs of the tree to return some of the bounty back to the earth and soil, and this will strengthen the roots of the tree and aid in the good health of the orchard.

“The wassail ends with everyone in the orchard making a noise to serenade the trees – this could be playing musical instruments, or banging pots and pans.”

The company say everyone in the community is invited to take part.

Founder Mark Hughes added: “Rikki’s passion for cider combined with his love of theatricals make for a brilliant Essex Green Man.

“We want to make this tradition our own, give it an Essex stamp. It’s Essex – anything goes.”