Thousands Turn Out As Hallaton Bottle Kicking Event Returns
Written by HFM News on 19th April 2022
Around 8,000 people descended on Hallaton as the traditional Easter Monday Bottlekicking event was held for the first time in three years.
The pandemic forced the cancellation of the spectacle in 2020 and 2021, so a bumper crowd turned out to mark its return.
VIDEO: Andy Carpenter
Villagers and visitors from elsewhere lined the streets to witness various rituals in the build-up to the main event, which is one of the oldest continued customs in the UK and dates back over 2,000 years.
It was Hallaton who eventually claimed victory against neighbours Medbourne, winning the rugby-style contest in fields between the two villages 2-0.
Organisers say it was a fantastic day.
Phil Allan, Chairman of the event, spoke to Hfm.
Hare pie is thrown into the waiting crowd.
PIC: ANDY CARPENTER
One minute silence
PIC: ANDY CARPENTER
David Marlow throws the bottle into the air at the start of the bottle kicking.
PIC: ANDY CARPENTER
The parade makes it’s way towards the battlefield.
PIC: ANDY CARPENTER
PIC: ANDY CARPENTER
Paul Short of Medbourne and Nathan Waterman of Hallaton.
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David Marlow, Alicia Kearns MP and Phil Allan.
PIC: ANDY CARPENTER
