Competitors get bloodied in brutal 16-hour ball game

Competition is fierce and lasts for two entire days – people are already injured (Picture: Reuters)

One of the oldest games of mass football is underway in Ashbourne, Derbyshire today – splitting the town in two.

Ashbourne Royal Shrovetide 2026 is upon us, and hundreds of locals and spectators from across the region are gearing up for two days of fierce competition.

When the clock struck 2pm, the town, split into two teams – those born north of the river (the Up’ards) and those...