Thousands Set for Hallaton’s Ancient Bottle-Kicking Tradition

Thousands are expected in Hallaton on Easter Monday for the village’s ancient Bottle Kicking event.

The quirky, rugby-style tradition – believed to date back around 2,000 years – sees teams from Hallaton and nearby Medbourne battle to move barrels filled with beer across two streams.

Thousands turned out for last year’s event despite the bad weather

The contest will be preceded by a traditional parade of a hare pie and a church service.

Organisers are asking visitor to make a donation to support the on-going costs to stage the event and have set-up an online fundraiser.

It is thought the Bottle Kicking is the longest-running sporting event in Britain and long-time organiser Phil Allan has been speaking to HFM’s Nick Shaw ahead of this year’s spectacle:

Phil Allan

Leicestershire County Council has put a number of road closures in place for the event, which will be in effect from 10am to 6.30pm.

Both High Street and Eastgate will be closed entirely for the event, while Churchgate will be shut between The Cross and Cranoe Road.

Cranoe Road itself will be inaccessible for its entire length, North End will close from its junction with High Street, Hallaton Road, Slawston will be closed, while Melbourne Road will shut between its junctions with High Street and Hallaton Road.