Atherstone shuts down to accommodate the unique day held every year on Shrove Tuesday
16:38, 17 Feb 2026Updated 16:41, 17 Feb 2026
Atherstone Ball Game begins
This is the moment the Atherstone Ball Game started as folk are seen battling it out to become victorious in an 800-year tradition.
Thousands of people have flocked to the north Warwickshire market town to take part or watch on as the brutal interactions between players started immediately.
Fracas were already witnessed after Atherstone shuts down to accommodate the unique day. While shops and businesses board up windows as scenes turn physical.
READ MORE: Atherstone Ball Game 2026 is today – key details of the 800-year-old brutal tradition
READ MORE: Secret to getting the best of BirminghamLive’s stories
This is the 826th Ball Game held every year on Shrove Tuesday.
Teams battle it out for two-hours to be the last ones in possession of the specially made leather ball by 5pm after it is thrown and kicked along Long Street.
. Locals battle for two hours for possession of the specially made leather ball(Image: PA)
The Atherstone Ball Game is held each year to honour a game of medieval football held between Leicestershire and Warwickshire in 1199.
The two teams used a bag of gold as a ball, with Warwickshire emerging victorious on that occasion.
Warwickshire Police has issued an earlier warning about trouble.
The force said that anyone who uses the game as an “excuse for criminal violence or vandalism will be held to account”.
The police statement said: “We are working closely with organisers and the community to keep attendees and businesses along Long Street safe while this historic cultural event takes place.
“Our combined efforts with partners and you in the community have led to very positive results in the last few years.
“We will continue to ensure that anyone who attempts to use the game as an excuse for criminal violence or vandalism will be held to account.
“Thank you to the local community and the organisers for supporting us in the policing of the Atherstone Ball Game this year.”
