Core Cider’s annual winter festival, Fire Fable & Feast, made its grand return at Core’s Apple Shed in Pickering Brook, Western Australia last month. Nestled in the heart of the Perth Hills, this magical event brought life to the sleeping summer spirits among the apple trees, marking the end of winter and the promise of a fruitful harvest. The festival’s roots go back 80 years when Giovanni Della-Franca (Jack) brought traditions and folklore from Northern Italy. These customs were passed down through four generations and have become central to the spirit of Core Cider. As night fell, chants, drums, dance, and song echoed through the orchard as attendees gathered around cleansing flames, watching embers carry winter away.

Drawing inspiration from ancient European pagan traditions, Fire Fable & Feast celebrated the transition from darkness to light, cold to warmth, and barrenness to fertility. The festivities began with Wassail, an old British tradition, where revellers sang and made noise to awaken the apple trees and ward off evil spirits. Participants gathered around the oldest tree in the orchard, toasted its health with mulled cider, and hung cider-soaked toast on its branches as offerings. Festival-goers banged pots and pans, ate hearty food, and sang the Wassail song around a massive bonfire. Bonfires, central to ancient end-of-winter celebrations, symbolised warmth, light, and the cleansing of the land in preparation for spring.

The festival encouraged medieval and Viking costumes, with prizes for the best-dressed, adding a layer of enchantment to the night. Live music filled the air, with performances by Phat Lips Band and Mr Accordion Man, fire shows by Dangerous Delights, and drumming from Junkadelic. Roving artists, sword dueling by Larpwest, snake charming by Lady Snakecharmer, and storytelling brought more magic to the evening. In keeping with tradition, two of the best-dressed children were crowned King and Queen, leading a procession around the festival. This ancient fertility rite symbolised the renewal of life, with the King and Queen embodying the vitality of the community and leading the ceremonial activities around the bonfire.

Plenty of refreshments were on offer, including mulled cider, wine, beer, and hearty meals served in the Old Apple Shed & Harvest Room. Festival merchandise was available for sale, and guests embraced the chance to take part in wreath-making, story circles, and live performances. The crowning of the King and Queen, along with the procession, echoed the rich symbolism of the night, celebrating the unity of community, nature, and the cycle of the seasons.

The Fire Fable & Feast not only marked the end of winter but also reaffirmed the timeless connection between people and the natural world. With its combination of ancient customs, music, dance, and fiery rituals, it was a night of magic and community spirit.

Pictures: Fire, Fable and Feast 2024 at Core Cider House. Credit: facebook.com/coreciderhouse