Where: Stroud town centre

When: Saturday, January 13, from 10am

The 2018 Stroud Wassail looks set to be the biggest ever held.

So far more than 30 acts have registered to take part in the event on Saturday, compared with 17 acts that took part in the 2017 Wassail.

Wassail secretary Christine Lee said: "The Wassail is going to be even busier this year with many new dance sides and Mummers groups joining us.

"We also have new musical acts such as the Masqueing Band, a trio of strolling minstrels, and Bygonz, a minstrel duo who will entertain the crowds with pipe and tabor, hurdygurdy and bagpipes."

This year sees Cotswold Morris dancers, Border Morris dancers and clog dancers from a wide area. There are visiting dancers from Cardiff, Dartmoor, Birmingham, Leicestershire, Reading, Devizes and Chippenham.

Groups of Mummers are visiting from Suffolk, the Forest of Dean and Winchcombe. There will also be local groups of dancers, singers and Mummers.

Wassail chairman Robin Burton said: "Since the Wassail began, with a modest event in 2014 for a dozen or so people at the Museum in the Park, it has grown rapidly.

"It is becoming known throughout the country and is attracting visitors to the town from across the country. Our aim is to bring a bit of fun and enjoyment into one of the darkest and most miserable times of year and, along the way, boost trade and community spirit and help to support local charities."

The Wassail day is preceded by Stroud Wassailers visiting pubs and restaurants throughout the area over the previous four weeks. Stroud Wassailers will be singing songs, performing plays and generally entertaining.

This year they have a new play featuring many well-known Stroud characters and a song written for the Wassailers by Johnny Coppin.

Stroud Wassail is generously supported by Stroud Town Council and local businesses Stroud Brewery, Renishaw and Snow Business.

On Saturday evening, Stroud Wassail Revels take place at Stroud Subscription Rooms from 7pm.

The Revels feature song, short plays and dance. They also feature a parade of "beasts", the election of King Bean and Queen Pea and the serenading of the Boar's Head.

Robin Burton said: "The emphasis is on having fun. Expect to laugh... a lot. You can also take part if you want to. There will be plenty of opportunity to sing and dance with us or simply heckle.

"Of course, if you prefer, you can simply watch what happens. If you want to, you can also dress up. It is traditional to come in a disguise of some sort. If you do dress up, you may win a prize!"

Tickets for the Revels are available from the Subscription Rooms at www.subscriptionrooms.org.uk/whats-on/stroud-wassail-revels/