2022 Haxey Hood called off
The ancient competition won't be taking place due to rising Covid cases
Last updated 30th Dec 2021
The Haxey Hood has been called off.
The ancient competition dates back hundreds of years and takes place in early January, usually the 6th.
But sadly for the second year in a row the organisers have decided not to go ahead with the 2022 event.
The decision is down to the rising number of Covid 19 cases across the country.
It was confirmed yesterday on the club's Facebook page saying further information would be made available at a later date.
The event is said to date back to the 14th century in the Isle of Axholme.
A noble woman was riding in the area when her riding hood was taken by the wind.
Nearby farm workers rushed to grab it and return it to her.
They chased the hood around a field.
Legend has it that it was caught by one of the workers who was too shy to hand it over.
Instead one of the others gave it to the lady.
The shy worker was branded as the "Fool."
Ever since a competition has taken place between Haxey and the nearby village of Westwoodside.
A leather tube represents the hood and teams compete to grab it and take it back to their base.
It usually attracts huge crowds.
The event starts with a speech by whoever's taking the role of the fool that year wearing a special costume.
So disappointment for all of those due to be involved in the 2022 contest but it's been going for hundreds of years so it's likely to return once again to delight locals, hopefully in 2023.