In Tenbury Wells, tradition isn’t something stuck in the past—it’s part of everyday life. Each December, the high street is adorned with mistletoe, music, market stalls, and the feeling that winter has truly arrived. This year, I photographed the Tenbury Mistletoe Festival for the first time and watched as the quiet market town changed into a place where folklore and community come together. The festival isn’t just about an evergreen shrub; it’s also about Tenbury reminding itself who it is.
Tenbury Mistletoe Festival: Winter’s Living Tradition
What I See
The first thing I notice is the mistletoe—more than 100 bunches, each one lit before sunset, glowing softly as dusk falls. They hang outside the butchers’, the pharmacy, the café, and other local shops, turning the high street into a stage set for a winter tale.
At noon, I head into the Pump Rooms for the crowning of the Mistletoe Queen. Parents lean forward for a better view, children stare wide-eyed, and the Queen steps into her role with a mix of ceremony and disbelief—like a character momentarily stepping out of a storybook.
Later, on The Burgage, the Druid ceremony takes place in the open air. The ritual feels ancient, but the crowd watches closely—phones raised, faces focused, a hush settling as the mistletoe is blessed. These moments show that traditions endure not just because they’re old, but because people still care enough to gather around them.
What I Feel
As I photograph the festival, I’m struck by how much it’s about people coming together. Psychologists describe this as social connectedness—the feeling of belonging with others. For me, the images capture more than moments; they show people forming and sustaining relationships.
For example, a woman dressed as a Christmas tree sells mistletoe to familiar faces. Two women play the bagpipes outside the Regal Cinema, drawing smiles from passers-by. Locals hang mistletoe along the high street while visitors stop to admire. Nearby, the town crier chats with children, making the day feel historic and playful.
These interactions matter. Shared experiences, face-to-face contact, and feeling part of something bigger all support wellbeing—especially during the darker winter months when isolation can creep in. The market stalls reinforce this, not through what they sell, but through what they share: a nod between neighbours, a joke at the counter, a stallholder greeting someone by name. In a world dominated by screens, the festival serves as a communal anchor: a space where people meet, talk, and feel connected.
What I Know
Looking more closely, the Tenbury Mistletoe Festival reveals a town that knows itself. Tenbury’s relationship to mistletoe stretches back over a century, and it remains the only town in the area still holding mistletoe auctions. This tradition isn’t nostalgia—it is continuity. The festival shows a community choosing to carry its traditions forward.
I also see how old and new rituals coexist. The Druid blessing predates Christianity, yet the modern crowd watches with the same sense of awe. Later, the Santa Parade crosses the Teme Bridge, bringing joyful chaos: toddlers waving, parents cheering, elves wobbling in oversized hats, and Santa handing out oranges. These small dramas show how traditions are kept alive—through people taking part.
Why Photos of the Tenbury Mistletoe Festival Matter
The Tenbury Mistletoe Festival is a rare celebration. It doesn’t just mark the start of winter—it also honours the town itself. Through its lights, rituals, and crowds, Tenbury shows that community isn’t a trend; it’s something people actively care for. And on that first Saturday in December, the town comes together to share a simple but powerful truth: belonging, connection, and continuity matter.
Thank you for looking. These images document the Tenbury Mistletoe Festival, and sharing them helps keep the conversation alive.