The Wassail with Eliza Carthy & Jon Boden

Norwich Arts Centre presents

Before there was carolling, there was wassailing, where seasonal songs were exchanged for money, food and ale. In the countryside trees were blessed, while in the towns wassaillers went house to house with their songs and calls for Christmas treats. Coming from the Anglo Saxon waes hael, ‘wassail’ is a toast wishing good health with a ‘be well’.

In November/December 2025 Eliza Carthy and Jon Boden combine their considerable talents and reputations within the UK folk scene, touring as a duo once again, for a nationwide wassail across key venues. Presenting seasonal, traditional material on a stage decorated for the occasion, they will take audiences back to some of the oldest songs in the English canon, telling Christmas tales, spreading good cheer and lighting up the darkest days of the year, ahead of Christmas Day itself.


 
Specific set times are only made available on the day of the event, please check the venue’s website page for the most up to date information.

All ages are welcome to this event but under 14's must be accompanied by an adult over the age of 18.

This is a seated event and is allocated on a first come first serve basis. You cannot reserve a seat prior to the doors opening for any reason. If you have any specific seating requirements, please let a member of staff know on the night and they will be happy to help.

If you require a carer or personal assistant, this person can come in for free without a ticket. So long as you have a ticket for yourself, and you can provide proof of disability when you arrive. See a list of accepted forms of proof on the venue’s Visit page. No prior reservation required.

Refunds are not available for this event; you are welcome to re-sell tickets yourself on third party sites like TicketSwap.com

All regular venue policies apply to this event.