AN ANCIENT tradition will see an area taken over by music and merriment this Saturday.

It is the annual Chepstow Wassail and Mari Lwyd on January 19, with fun to be had from 1pm until 11.30pm at this popular party.

READ MORE: Ancient Mari Lwyd tradition is thriving

This free community event celebrates the New Year, with guests wassailing and taking part in the Mari Lwyd, plus the Welsh and English meeting on the bridge.

(Welsh and English people meet on the Old Iron Bridge)

The Mari Lwyd, believed to bring good luck, involves decorating a horse's skull, carrying it around on a pole.

Read about last year's event here.

When the event started, 13 years ago, there was one cardboard one. Last year there were 27 full-blown ones.

(Picture: Mark Lewis)

The Mari Lwyd will kick off the fun, starting at 1pm from Greenman Backpackers, on Beaufort Square. Guests, joined by their horse's heads, will knock doors and challenge residents to a battle of wits - rhyming Welsh insults.

(Picture: Mark Lewis)

Following this banter, people will assemble by the Three Tuns at 2.30pm, where there will be a wassail of the apple trees in the nearby Castle Dell, followed by singing and dancing.

For the competitive, a Mari Lwyd beauty pageant will be held in The Drill Hall from 4pm, comparing horse skulls.

(Picture: Mark Lewis)

From 5.30pm, guests will assemble on the riverbank to make some noise ready for the meeting on the bridge.

This will be at 6.15pm, with English and Welsh meeting in the middle of the Old Iron Bridge, followed by a floodlit 'grand' Mari Lwyd outside Chepstow Museum from 7.15pm.

Guests can sip on mulled wine and but souvenirs.

Finally, for those who don’t want the partying to stop, a Ceilidh is taking place at The Drill Hall, with band, Juice. Although the other festivities are free, this aspect is £6 for adults of £3 for children under the age of 16.

(Picture: Mark Lewis)

There will be noisiness and dancing throughout the celebrations. There will be plenty of grub on offer throughout the day, including: burgers, crepes, hot dogs and soup.

To find out more information about the ‘newest old tradition’ in Wales, phone: 07870 611979 or email: info@greenmanbackpackers.co.uk

Alternatively, check out the event website on: www.chepstowwassailmari.co.uk