Thousands of people attended the annual Royal Shrovetide Football match in Ashbourne, Derbyshire. The Up’Ards won the match, which has been played since at least 1667, after eight hours of play.
Two teams, the Up’Ards and the Down’Ards, compete to move a ball to the opposite ends of the city. Mick Mee, a youth worker, was chosen to “turn up” the ball and commence proceedings on Wednesday. Tuesday at 14:00 GMT, Paul Cook began play from a new plinth in Shawcroft Car Park.
The players then spent eight hours attempting to get on the scoreboard by moving the ball around. Matt Barlow of BBC Radio Derby reported that for the majority of the first day, the ball was in the middle of town and surrounded by a “hug” of players.
Eventually, the Up’Ards were able to score, and Tom Allen was lauded as the scorer. Wednesday evening, the crowds then carried him through the market town.
Royal Shrovetide Football is a one-of-a-kind event that highlights Ashbourne’s tradition and culture. It is a reminder of the region’s long and illustrious history and attracts tens of thousands of spectators from all over the United Kingdom.
