THE Widders Welsh Border Morris dancers filled the streets of Chepstow on Saturday (21st January) as they held the annual Chepstow Wassail Mari Lwyd.

The event combines the English tradition of Wassailing, and the Welsh Mari Lwyd tradition for a night of singing, dancing and ceremonies.

Wassailing involves blessing apple trees and asking for a good harvest for the following year, meanwhile, the Mari Lwyd tradition involves the carrying of ‘The Mari’, a decorated, shrouded horse skull from house to house or pub by the Mari Lwyd.

The group then perform to gain entry for food and drink before they then bless the house. This year Chepstow Museum was one location the procession stopped at.

The night culminated with a meeting of the English and Welsh traditions on the Chepstow Bridge to celebrate the New Year.

The event attracted crowds throughout the afternoon and into the evening with morris dancing and a country ceilidh dance at the Drill Hall.

Photos courtesy of Paul Johnson at www.pixelsintime.co.uk