The small town of Ashbourne in Derbyshire has once again been swamped by visitors from all over the world who were eager to catch a glimpse of the chaos that is the traditional game of Shrovetide Football. However it poses the question of what actually is it and how important is it to this small town?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When is Shrovetide played?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Shrovetide Football is an ancient form of football that is believed to have been played in Ashbourne since 1667. It is played every year across Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Who plays Shrovetide?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n It is contested between frenzied teams of Up\u2019ards and Down\u2019ards – who are traditionally born in the North and South of the River Henmore respectively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Following the conclusion of the annual event last Wednesday, the Up\u2019ards won 1-0 at 8.50pm on Ash Wednesday taking them to two consecutive victories after the game was allowed to return following the COVID pandemic.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n