Winner of Atherstone Ball Game announced as eagerly awaited event returns
This year marks the 824th Atherstone Ball Game.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A winner has been crowned following the eagerly awaited return of the annual Atherstone Ball Game.
The event, which takes place annually on Shrove Tuesday, honours a match played between Leicestershire and Warwickshire in 1199 in which the latter won and when teams used a bag of gold as a ball.
Warwickshire locals tend to fight over a giant, leather ball for two hours on Long Street, with the winner the person who has their hands on it when the klaxon is sounded.
Now in its 824th year, the popular event celebrated its latest winner – Alex Young.
Groups of people were pictured huddling around the giant leather ball as it was propelled and thrown around the town.
One man looked particularly focused on perfecting his kick, while others cradled the ball or reached out to grab it.
Many were also seen cheering and chanting as proceedings took place, with what appeared to be confectionary being thrown at attendees at one point, who scrabbled to get their hands on a piece.
Police were on hand to monitor the match and to keep the crowds under control.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.