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Hallaton Bottle-KickingHallaton Bottle-Kicking is a unique kind of pagan Rugby match that takes place every Easter Monday between the neighbouring villages of Medbourne and Hallaton. Theories abound, but nobody really knows the exact origins of this annual battle, but the young (and not so young) lads of both villages compete in three rounds, attempting to carry a small oak cask full of ale across open fields to a goal, in a battle with very few, if any rules. Of course, it is the job of the opposite side to prevent them doing so and to try to carry the barrel into their goal. The goals are opposing muddy brooks, the fight is furious and the score is always much discussed by locals for weeks afterwards. Bottle-kicking is a rare glimpse of real English rural life. Don't miss it - and be sure to take your camera ! More information from the Hallaton website here. Hint: If you are lucky, you may be able to ask Mr. Wainwright about Bottle Kicking. As a man of Hallaton, he has taken part in every Bottle Kick since he was a boy. More recently he was one of the organisers of the event, having only recently retired from the role. Mr. Wainwright still does a fantastic job of repairing and repainting the bottles in preparation for the big day. |
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