WHAT A TURN-UP!

MEET THE TWO MEN GIVEN THE HONOUR OF STARTING THE 2026 ROYAL SHROVETIDE FOOTBALL GAME IN ASHBOURNE

- By OSCAR FISHER

WE are just weeks away from the return of one of Derbyshire’s prized traditions, one that sees a town divided for two days of fierce competition in the most extraordinary way.

Ashbourne Royal Shrovetide, one of the longest-running games of “football” in the world, sees those born north of the River Henmore (Up’ards) compete against those born in the south (Down’ards).

The Up’ards try to take the ball to the Sturston goal post, while the Down’ards attempt to get it to the Clifton goal post, with three miles of rivers, fields and Ashbourne infrastructure in their paths.

The game will kick off on Tuesday, February 17 at 2pm, and will be repeated the following day at the same time. It becomes next-goal-winner for each day after 6pm, with time called at 10pm.

Before the game begins, hundreds gather in the Shawcroft Car Park by the Shrovetide plinth, where a rendition of God Save the King and Auld Lang Syne precedes the iconic “turning up” of the ball.

The selection of the turners-uppers is an age-old tradition of huge importance to the town and the Shrovetide committee, and two local men have been granted the honour of starting proceedings in 2026.