British folk traditions

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There are many strange and unusual folk customs in the UK, some with very deep roots, others surprisingly modern. We'll be collecting them all here.

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Ancient tradition [the Hallaton Bottle Kicking game] 'means everything' to Leicestershire villages (www.bbc.co.uk)

submitted 7 months ago by Emperor to c/britishfolktraditions

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A Leicestershire man who has been running an ancient bottle kicking event for 50 years said it "never ceases to amaze" him.

Phil Allan, chairman of the organising committee, believes the Hallaton Bottle Kicking game is the "oldest continuing sporting event in Britain".

Two teams from the villages of Hallaton and Medbourne compete to move two of three barrels to the opposition's stream.

The event takes place on Easter Monday.

Mr Allan told the BBC: "Legend has it, it's probably been going on for 2,000 years.

"People who come for the first time and see the event just cannot believe how unusual it is.

"The whole area is charged with an electric atmosphere."

The event is preceded by a parade of a hare pie, which is handed out to spectators by the village rector.

...

"People can't believe how rough it is," Mr Allan said.

"Of course, there are injuries. Quite often there's some broken legs, collarbones. I guess that's part of the taking part."

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