Say hello to 'MoJo'! Boris Johnson and family take part in the Oxford Morris dance festival, where people dress up as elves and pour cider over tree roots

Boris Johnson and his family braved the cold and very muddy footpaths today as they watched Morris dance at an ancient Anglo-Saxon festival.

The former Prime Minister, 59, was seen with his wife Carrie Johnson and their young children enjoying the Wassail Ceremony celebration at the Jubilee Orchard in Brightwell cum Sotwell, South Oxfordshire.

Mr Johnson appeared in good spirits as he walked his crossbreed terrier dog Dilyn and carried one of his children on his shoulders alongside other locals.

Wearing a navy blue hat, gray jacket and blue trousers, paired with a pair of green boots, he looked at the historic tradition that takes place annually to bless orchards and ensure a good harvest for the following year.

During the ceremony, members of the Armaleggon Morris danced as ceremonial cider was poured on the roots of the trees, while others rattled pots and pans to warn evil spirits.

The traditional Anglo-Saxon festival is held in the hope of a full harvest in the coming year. In the photo: a man takes part in the Wassail ceremony, wearing a crown and holding a bouquet of different leaves

During the ceremony, the audience will be treated to a performance by Morris dancers, chants and traditional songs. Pictured: Members of the Armaleggon Morris dancers at the Wassail ceremony in South Oxfordshire

The crowd also serenaded the tree with chants and traditional songs, while some locals used shotguns during the ceremony.

Other community members showed up dressed in traditional costumes. Some seemed to have their faces painted as if they were animals, while others wore crowns and various plans on their heads.

Traditionally the festival would take place on the Twelfth Night, but now the ceremonies could take place anywhere between late December and February, according to the National Trust.

No wassail ceremony is complete without trying the wassail drink, according to the charity, which is often a local cider mixed with herbs and honey.

It's not the first time the former Conservative Party leader has been featured in his local community.

Last New Year's Eve he was welcomed into 2022 at a local pub, believed to be in Charlbury.

The former Prime Minister was seen walking his dog Dilyn while carrying one of his young children on his shoulders, alongside his wife Carrie

The Prime Minister was accompanied by his terrier dog Dilyn, who appears to have walked through muddy puddles on the way to the festival

The couple joined locals as they marched along muddy footpaths to reach the ceremonial site

Surrounded by people in cowboy hats, Mr. Johnson rang in the New Year with what appeared to be a barn dance.

In September, he was given permission to build a swimming pool at his heritage-listed building in the province, despite opposition from local officials.

Mr Johnson, who bought his £4 million home in May, vowed to do “whatever it takes” to get the 11-by-4 meter project built after an objection from a government ecologist delayed the process.

However, South Oxfordshire District Council granted approval for building work on the Grade II listed Brightwell Manor.

They said Mr Johnson will have to 'enhance' a nearby orchard to help offset any loss of biodiversity.