Uppies and Downies returns to Workington
The historic tradition began in the 17th century
Last updated 15th Apr 2022
There's excitement building in Workington for the return of Uppies and Downies over the Easter weekend.
Three games are going to be played, as two teams try to take a specially made ball from one side of the tow to the other.
The Uppies are going to be trying to get it Curwen Hall, while the Downies will be trying to get it to the harbour.
The person who manages to get the ball to the goal will become the hailer- and will get to get it as a prize.
Joe Clark has been playing for more than 50 years and says there are no apparent rules, short of "murder".
"It looks like a violent game to an outsider," Joe admitted. "But in the game itself, we do tend to look after one another."
The game, which has been running since the 17th century, was cancelled for the last two years because of the pandemic.
But it's returning for Good Friday, Easter Tuesday and the following Saturday.
A specially made ball will be decorated with red, white and blue stitching to mark the Queen's platinum jubilee.