Invite to Ascension Day Hop Blessing
Join us in the Hop Garden for our annual Hop Blessing on Thursday 18th May. This year, we've added an extra traditional twist, which we hope you will like!
We’re delighted that Rev. Claire Holt, of St Paul’s Church in Tongham, has once again agreed to officiate proceedings at this traditional ceremony to help bring an abundant 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, 250 of our friends, neighbours and family joined in the Hop Blessing ceremony from the hop garden and raised a glass to an auspicious harvest.
This year, there will be a few words of welcome and a brief blessing ceremony but we’re also inviting guests to “Beat the Bounds” – with a short 30-minute walk around the hop garden led by Rev. Holt.
Book here to reserve your free place. Booking essential! 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 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 a little cooler and windier than expected 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 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, so 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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