Midland Montage: 06.04.1961: Bottle Kicking

Easter Monday at Hallaton in Leicestershire and what could be more English than a slice of hare pie, a pint of ale and a bit of a ruck with the local lads?

Easter Monday celebrations in Hallaton begin with a church parade and a blessing of a hare pie by the local vicar. Only then does the more energetic part of the day begin: a village bottle kick. Small barrels are used as Hallaton villagers and local rivals Medbourne battle it out to try to cross opposing streams that are a mile apart. The winners celebrate their bruising encounter with beer and a climb to the top of the village Buttercross.

Records exist of the Hallaton bottle kicking taking place in the seventeenth century however, as with many such village customs, it is likely to stretch back far into history. Local legend suggests a hare diverting a charging bull from injuring two Hallaton women may have been an inspiration.