AN annual ceremony to encourage a bumper apple crop in a community orchard takes place in Taunton this weekend.

The free Wassail event at Frieze Hill will feature the Lord of Misrule and the Wassail Princess and Prince, who will pour cider onto the tree roots and place cider-soaked toast in the branches.

There will also be singing, chanting and lots of noise to wake up the trees to be fruitful this year.

The entertainment, on Saturday, runs from 5pm to 7pm and will include the Big Noise Street Band, while Taunton Thespian Mummers will perform St George and The Dragon.

Refreshments will include mulled cider and apple cake, apple juice and bangers in baps.

People are encouraged to take along bells, whistles, horns and drums - and noisy children are particularly welcome - and to wear wellies and warm clothes, as well as taking a torch.