"Devon it's later" is a bit of a sweeping statement! Generally, all over the country, maintainers (or revivers) of the custom choose when to do it according to what suits them - whether its 'old' or 'new' 12th night - or a convenient Friday or Saturday in between. Does anyone know of an orchard wassail that has been continuous since before WW1 (when so much ceased) other than Carhampton?