Ashbourne Royal Shrovetide Football is a two-day mass street football game played every Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday in Ashbourne 1 2. Teams of local players (the "Up’ards" vs "Down’ards") compete on the town’s streets and fields to strike a large ball three miles along the course to the opposing goal. With minimal rules (the ball is rarely kicked), the game can last until late evening, involving thousands of players and spectators 2 3. The festival features a traditional procession and song at a central park (Shaw Croft) as the ceremonial start, followed by frenetic scrums of participants known as "the hug". 4
This unique sport is deeply rooted in England’s medieval communal games. Ashbourne’s Shrovetide Football is celebrated as one of the oldest forms of football in the world, reflecting centuries-old traditions of rural street games 1 2. Each year the townspeople reenact this pagan-like custom, reinforcing local identity and community bonds. The festival is seen as a core element of Ashbourne culture, with songs and rituals (like the Shrovetide hymn) that accompany the match.
Venues and routes
Shawcroft Car Park · Ashbourne
The dates that shape the visit.
Opening day · Tue, Feb 9
The ball is 'turned up' and the match begins at 2pm from a stone plinth in Shawcroft Car Park ([www.visitderby.co.uk](https://www.visitderby.co.uk/events/ashbourne-royal-shrovetide-football-2026#:~:text=The%20game%20starts%20on%20Shrove,park%20in%20Ashbourne%20town%20centre)).
Arrive early to see the turn-up ceremony and get a good spot in the crowd; excitement and chants build up before kick-off.
Final day · Wed, Feb 10
The game ends when a side scores the winning goal (by 10pm latest). Conditions may push play late into the night.
Find a spot along town centre as daylight fades; the winning point is fiercely contested and often followed by cheers and celebration at the goal site.
Reference notes for once this becomes a real plan.
Practical notes refreshed Mar 3.
Typical price: £0
High crowds · Energetic energy
High attendance around Shawcroft and key Narrow sections; bring space-aware precautions.
Generally safe event, but the game involves rough physical play, so keep a respectful distance. The town deploys police and marshals.
Usually cold and possibly wet · Event runs rain or shine
Daily budget: £50-80, Mid: £100-150 (for two, including meals and basic accommodation) · Drinks: £2-£5 (beer/soft drink)
Eat at local pubs or cafés off the main festival streets. Use pay-by-phone parking discounts if available.
From center: Ashbourne town center is walkable · Town centre is generally flat cobblestone streets