Hop Blessing 2025

Join us on Ascension Day - Thursday 29th May 2025 - in the Hop Garden for our annual Hop Blessing, and back by popular demand, our 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 2025 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, around 100 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 Exec Chairman Rupert and a brief blessing ceremony from Rev. Claire, followed by a mini “Beating the Bounds” – a short 10-15 minute walk around the hop garden. 

Book here to reserve your place. This year, we are asking for a £5 charity donation per person to the Surrey branch of our chosen charity - details to be announced very soon - to help raise much needed funds for those less fortunate that ourselves. 

Booking essential. Tongham TEA Club members will receive an email shortly 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, rainy 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.

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.

Pulled Pork will be available to purchase, alongside the standard Tap menu, so why not stay on in the Brewery Tap, Hangar and Beer Garden after the event. The Brewery Tap is open from 10am until 11pm. 

Here’s hoping for an auspicious harvest! 

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