2024 Hop Blessing
Join us in the Hop Garden for our annual Hop Blessing on Thursday 9th May 2024. Once again, there will be a mini “beating the bounds” around the hop garden.
We’re delighted that Rev. Claire Holt, of St Paul’s Church in Tongham, will be officiating at this traditional ceremony to help bring an abundant 2024 harvest.
Ascension Day was traditionally chosen for crop blessings as by this time in the year, new growth would be shooting up. A group of young and old people, usually led by the priest, would walk around the boundaries of the parish, stopping at each boundary post to pray for the protection of the crops.
Last year, over 150 of our friends, family, neighbours, Hogs Back Hoppers and staff joined in the Hop Blessing ceremony from the hop garden and raised a glass to an auspicious harvest.
There will be the usual words of welcome from MD Rupert and a brief blessing ceremony from Rev. Claire, followed by a mini “Beating the Bounds” – with a short 15-minute walk around the hop garden.
Book here to reserve your place. This year, we are asking for a £5 charity donation to The British Heart Foundation per person to help raise much needed funds for those less fortunate that ourselves. Booking essential! Tongham TEA Club members will receive an email in April to reserve their free ticket. Families and well-behaved dogs on leads welcome! Maximum 2 tickets per person.
On arrival, please check in at the Hangar for your complimentary pint of Tongham TEA (over 18’s only. A soft drink alternative will be available), with which to toast the Hop Garden.
Please wear suitable clothing – it may be chilly, windy, raining or sunny in the hop garden. The ground may be uneven or wet underfoot so please wear suitable shoes. Please note that for bio-security reasons, you will need to walk through a mild disinfectant solution so flip flops and similar footwear is best avoided! We regret the walk around the hop garden is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.
The Brewery Tap will be open from 5pm until 11pm.
To claim your free pint of Tongham TEA or soft drink, please check in at the Hangar from 6.30pm - 7pm.
At 7pm, we will make our way to the hop garden for a few words of welcome, followed by the Blessing ceremony itself, and finishing with "beating the bounds" around the hop garden.
The BBQ will be running from 6pm - 8pm, where you can purchase burgers, sausages and vegan burgers so you will be more than welcome to stay on in the Brewery Tap, Hangar and Beer Garden after the event.
Here’s hoping for an auspicious harvest!
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