Hallaton Bottle Kicking Attracts Thousands

The wet weather failed to dampen spirits as thousands of people descended on Hallaton for the Easter Monday Bottle Kicking event yesterday.

The traditional rugby-style contest, which dates back 2,000 years, was played out in fields between Hallaton and Medbourne, with teams from both villages battling it out to get barrels filled with beer back to their respected boundaries.

Thousands descended on Hallaton for the traditional event

A traditional parade was part of the event

After a hard fought contest, it was Hallaton who claimed the bragging rights for a 14th year, sealing a 2-0 victory.

The event was proceeded by a church service, a parade led by a band and the ceremonial slicing up and distribution of a hare pie.

Organisers estimate between 6,000 and 7,000 people attended the event and chairman of the Bottle Kicking, Phil Allan spoke to HFM:

Villagers from Medbourne battled it out with neighbours from Medbourne

Villagers from Medbourne battled it out with neighbours from Medbourne

A traditional parade was part of the event