These days, the village of Ashbourne, in the heart of England, is engulfed in spectacular chaos for the locals, who honor a tradition over 800 years old: Shrovetide football matches are played only on Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday, an event that attracts thousands of participants and global attention. This form of medieval football is famous for its violence and takes place in the streets and fields of the town. Despite its chaotic nature, the event has been a landmark in the local calendar for centuries – records of this game date back to 1199, and thus it is considered that the 827th edition of the event took place in 2026. On each of the days, the game runs from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM. As the event is not televised, those interested in watching must travel to Ashbourne (and keep a safe distance). The combative nature of the game leads Ashbourne merchants to protect their shops and people to remove cars from the town center to avoid damage. The game begins in the Shawcroft car park, where a respected local figure throws the ball into the crowd. In 2003, that figure was none other than then-Prince and current King of England, Charles III. From there, two teams, the Up'ards and the Down'ards, attempt to carry the ball to their respective goal. Unlike modern football, the objective is to score in one's own goal, which consists of a stone obelisk. The two goals are separated by a distance of 4.8 km. For a goal to be validated, the ball must be struck three times consecutively against the obelisk. The inherent violence of the game leads to frequent brawls, with exchanges of blows and torn clothing. It is common for several people to bleed, with many more kicks being distributed among the players than those aimed at the ball. In fact, this is a rarity, as the spherical ball is more often carried, thrown, or, as happens more frequently, pushed by a crowd of dozens or hundreds of people. The short rulebook also defines the prohibition of committing homicide, even by negligence, and unnecessary violence is frowned upon, although not prohibited. The game cannot take place in cemeteries, places of worship, or private property. It is also illegal to transport the ball in a motor vehicle or hide it in a bag or coat. Finally, there is no limit to the number of players. The main object of the game is a ball larger and heavier than a normal football, weighing about 1.8 kg. It is made of leather and filled with cork shavings to ensure it floats in the river. In Shrovetide football, loyalty to a team is not a matter of family heritage or preference, as is the case in modern football. Instead, affiliation is determined by the participant's place of birth in relation to the Henmore Brook, a tributary of the River Dove that runs through the town. Participants born on the north bank of the brook are the Up'ards, while those born on the south bank are part of the Down'ards team. This tradition defines one of the most unique rivalries in sport. Although the Down'ards emerged victorious in the last confrontation, dominance in the last decade belongs to the Up'ards. Balls from previous editions of the event can be seen on display in local pubs, although some are lost during the intensity of the game. 2015: Up'ards 1-0 Down'ards 2016: Up'ards 1-1 Down'ards 2017: Up'ards 1-0 Down'ards 2018: Up'ards 1-1 Down'ards 2019: Up'ards 0-1 Down'ards 2020: Up'ards 1-1 Down'ards 2021: Cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic 2022: Up'ards 3-0 Down'ards 2023: Up'ards 1-0 Down'ards 2024: Up'ards 2-0 Down'ards 2025: Up'ards 0-1 Down'ards
In Ashbourne Shrove Tuesday remains central to this story.
In Ashbourne Shrove Tuesday remains central to this story.
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