Hi, I’m Sophie McKeand, Cittaslow UK’s Project Officer. This month I’ll be taking part in the Willesden Green Wassail. Last year the Lonely Planet blog named this one of the most inspiring Winter activities in the whole of the UK.

In the icy depths of January, folks in rural England walk through orchards to sing and celebrate their apple trees.

And something similar will be happening in Willesden Green for the third time in as many years. Come join the crowd and our special guest performance artists to reclaim an ancient ritual in an unusually urban setting.

Whereas our friends in the countryside sing to the trees, we shall be taking a walk to celebrate those who bring food to us every day – whether that’s the friendly folks at the Anatolian Flame Grill, Willesden Fisheries or the BuyWise cornershop.

Past Wassails have been entertained by performances on streetcorners from acts including spokenword sensation Dizraeli award-winning folk singer Sam Lee, and hip hop Muslimahs, Poetic Pilgrimage.

Featured artists include:

Adam Kammerling
The Leano
Sophie McKeand
Debs Newbold
Jean-Marc Pierson
Poetic Pilgrimage

Lovingly gathered and led by founder Rachel Rose Reid and Transition Town Willesden.

Gather at 2.15pm at Willesden Green Tube station for 2.30pm, 22nd January.