With life (almost) getting back to normal as Covid-19 restrictions continue to ease, visitors and locals alike can finally start to get excited about the many events and celebrations that are set to make a comeback in and around Ross-on-Wye in the coming year.
Ross-on-Wye is a hive of activity, with the popular market town offering a jam-packed itinerary for those looking to visit and explore at any time of the year.
2022 promises a long list of events to enjoy. Here’s our rundown of just a few of them so you can make a note or two in your diary and plan a staycation in Ross during the months ahead.
Wassail at Westons Cider Mill
Wassailing is a proud tradition that has been celebrated in the town and other cider producing areas for hundreds of years.
We take the annual blessing of our orchards very seriously. As the biggest cider producer in the UK and the only area in the world to grow good quality Perry pears, Herefordshire marks the tradition in the most magnificent way. We’ll let Eat Sleep Live Herefordshire explain more:
“Wassailing celebrations vary, but typically involve a lively, torch-lit procession to the orchard where revellers gather around the biggest tree to sing and create lots of noise to ward off bad spirits. Often a wassail bowl, filled with warm spiced cider, perry or ale, is shared among the procession and a toast is made by the wassail queen as a gift to the biggest tree. It’s not unusual for the evening to end with a visit to a local pub to warm up.”
There are several wassailing events taking place in and around Ross-on-Wye throughout January. The best has to be the event at Westons Cider Mill, which takes place this year on Saturday 8th January.
Our grand accommodation opening
Following on from the launch of our Pavilion Restaurant and Bar in December, we are proud to announce that our 12 recently renovated ensuite bedrooms will be available for bookings from Spring 2022. It’s a grand opening event that we’re really excited about here at The Hope & Anchor.
The Ross Country Music Festival
Ross’ love for music is well known, with several events at a multitude of music venues taking place throughout the year. Lovers of country music should put the upcoming Ross Country Music Festival in their diary.
The festival usually takes place in July, but a date for the 2022 event is yet to be confirmed. As always, however, the Ross Country Music Festival promises three days of music, camping, food and drink, fast draw, and stalls, with profits once again expected to go to St Michael’s Hospice.
Proms in the Park
Later in the summer, you can enjoy music alfresco courtesy of Ross’ renowned Proms in the Park concerts. Every Sunday throughout the summer months, you’ll be able to listen to free concerts from local musicians at the Wye Street bandstand.
Walking Festival
Ross-on-Wye is famous for its breathtaking local hikes, and resident and visiting walkers come together to celebrate every year at the Walking Festival.
Socialise with your fellow hikers, enjoy a selection of guided walks, and explore the natural beauty of the town and surrounding countryside in the best company at this year’s Walking Festival from Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th September 2022.
The programme of events for this year’s Walking Festival is set to be announced from Easter 2022.
Christmas Tree Festival
We may have only just gotten over Christmas 2021, yet we can’t help but get excited about this year’s Christmas Tree Festival.
Expected to take place in late November 2022, the Christmas Tree Festival offers an epic five days of festive fun at the historic St Mary’s Church.
Locals and visitors gather in huge numbers to kick start the countdown to Christmas with music, choir performances, homemade refreshments, and guest speakers all making for a fabulous event.
For more local events and news, keep an eye on our Events and News section for the latest goings-on.
