“Wassailing” is the practice of singing carols and spreading good cheer door-to-door. The word comes from an old Norse greeting ‘vas heill’ meaning ‘good health’ and became a toast before drinking. Later ‘wassail’ became the name of a drink itself, a bit like the mulled wine served at Christmas time today.

With Nordic roots, it is particularly appropriate that St Olave Hart Street revive the tradition of Wassailing! Join as they Wassail around the pubs and taverns of the parish, singing carols and spreading good cheer. They will be joined by their bellringers – from the University of London Society of Change Ringers – and singers from the choirs, the St Olave Singers and the St Olave Scholars. We will be following in the footsteps of one of the parish’s most famous residents, Samuel Pepys.

All are welcome. Start at The Ship, Hart Street, at 6pm and singing will be outdoors so dress appropriately!

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