FOLK songs, a mummers play and the blessing of the farmer’s plough were all celebrated on Saturday during the Avebury Wassailing to mark the start of the agricultural year.

This is the fourth year that Avebury has carried out the blessing, which typically occurs on the 12th night and dates back to 1066.The wassailing involves singing and chanting to scare away evil spirits to ensure a fruitful harvest.

Pagan Priest Gordon Rimes was the master of ceremonies and lead a band of Jolly Boys from orchard to orchard, encouraging everyone to join in. Around 350 people joined in the march and took part in the historic spectacle that raised £151 for the Marlborough Downs Space for Nature charity .

Rev Maria Shepherdson, Rector Upper Kennet Benefice said:“The wassail brings together all parts of our community, linking our ancestor’s past to the folk of the present. This opportunity reminds us of the gift of creation, our shared purpose in caring for it and enables all faiths to bless together the farmers and growers, the seeds, tools and the land.”