FOLKLORE and traditions abound around the mystical and magical time of Twelfth Night between Christmas and the coming of the Epiphany.

In medieval and Tudor England, Twelfth Night marked the end of a winter festival that began on All Hallows Eve, now known as Halloween.

At festivals then, a cake would be served containing a bean, and whoever found the bean would rule the feast.

They would be the Lord of Misrule and midnight signalled the end of their reign.

Food and drink has always been at the centre of Twelfth Night celebrations, with a punch called wassail the favoured beverage.

And there will no doubt be plenty of this imbibed at a Twelfth Night Feast at Gilbert White’s House and Garden on Sunday, January 10, at 6.30pm.

In the stunning surroundings of the 16th century Hampshire Barn at the house in Selborne there will be feasting, live music and theatre.

Gilbert White’s has teamed up with Winchester-based company Foot in the Door (pictured) to provide the entertainment based on Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night.

It promises to be a glorious night of festivities and merriment.

Tickets are £28, to include food and drink.

Suitable for those aged 12 plus.