England's Mistletoe Capital prepares for a season of berry kisses

Posted: Oct 17 2012

Christmas Magic starts in Tenbury Wells

Tenbury Wells in Worcestershire really comes alive in late November, with a programme of seasonal events in the run up to Christmas and New Year. But this beautiful country town has a close association with the magic, myth and mystery of the mistletoe plant that makes it unique.

A key date in the local calendar is Saturday 1st December – National Mistletoe Day – when the history and tradition of Christmas are celebrated with a colourful procession and a Ceremony of Peace and Thanksgiving that honours the Mistletoe.

Festival Project Manager, Caroline Palethorpe, explains;- “The Mistletoe Foundation procession makes its way across the Teme Bridge from Burford to Tenbury at 2pm. This is followed by a ceremony on the Burgage that includes the now traditional crowning of the Head Girl from Tenbury High School as our Mistletoe Queen and the Head Boy as her Holly Prince. Local shops, pubs and restaurants will be decorated for the season and it will be a magical day out for visitors from across the region “.

The celebrations will be preceded by a silent film “The Mistletoe Bride”, at the newly refurbished Regal Theatre and the events continue into the afternoon with a choir, dancing and a street theatre performance. Songs of nature, myth and magic will be performed by Damh the Bard; a musician, poet and storyteller from the Druid tradition.

Other events are planned throughout December, including a Santa Parade, story-telling and live music, but this is not just a celebration for local people. Caroline Palethorpe continues;-

“ As England’s Mistletoe Capital, Tenbury Wells also hosts a series of wholesale Mistletoe and Holly auctions during November and December that are attended by traders from across the United Kingdom, as well as international buyers. This adds to an exciting time in a lovely town that celebrates much more than just the parties and giving of gifts at Christmas “.

More information can be found on the website – www.tenbury-mistletoe-festival.co.uk