Hundreds of flamboyant performers arrived in Stroud today for the 2018 wassail.
More than thirty mummers and morris dancers from all over the country will brought their colourful routines to the town’s streets and venues.
Festival chairman Robin Burton said the aim was to bring a bit of joy into one of the darkest and most miserable time of year, boost trade, encourage a bit of community spirit, and help support some local charities.
He added: "For thousands of years wassailing has traditionally been a time to toast the good health of friends and family."
The highlight of the day was a procession through the town starting in King Street and ending with performances on the Subscription Rooms forecourt.
Right now (5pm) an evening of dancing, singing and merriment is getting under way in the town.
Stroud Wassail is supported by Stroud Town Council, Stroud Brewery, Renishaws and Snow Business.
A cold Stroud wassailing day! #folk #folkdance #wassailing #Stroud #Morrisdancing #dance #traditional #pagan #snapseed #iphoneography #winter pic.twitter.com/XA6WHCY274
— Giles Diggle (@50oakwoods) January 13, 2018
Beautiful, vibrant #Stroud amazing to see all the wassailing and mumming today #Wassailing #Inmytown #marketday #wassail pic.twitter.com/Ury7lYuoLn
— Moonflower Shops (@Moonflowershops) January 13, 2018
Just a normal day in #Stroud.... @StroudWassail pic.twitter.com/eu5IbiILiy
— Kirsty Hartsiotis (@StroudStory) January 13, 2018
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here