| Where: | Waltham Cross, Herts at the Playing Fields near the Railway Station |
| When: | 26th December |
| Time: | 12 noon |
For over 100 years, every Boxing Day at Waltham Cross has featured an unusual football match. The teams of Bakers and Sweeps in appropriate costumes battle it out on the playing fields, with numerous balls of varying size up to absolute giants which have to be rolled around the pitch and may be ceremonially carried into play on a stretcher. The players are armed with flour or soot depending on their allegiance, and misdemeanours during play may be punished with a session in the on-pitch stocks. It’s a local fundraiser for charity and an alternative way to work off the calories from Christmas lunch!
Helpful Hints
It didn’t happen in 2023 but should hopefully return in 2024- especially if the organisers can get some more volunteers.
Anyone over 18 can join in – but be aware that you’ll end up covered in flour and soot as well as mud!
Click here for the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/173152511406/?fref=nf
View this location on the map.
I witnessed this crazy football match one year (20 or so years ago) whilst staying with my in-laws. It followed the Bakers & Sweeps going around the housing estates of WX throwing bags at flour & soot each other (and I guess anybody who got in their way LOL) before a bonkers game of footie. So pleased it continues to this day and had no idea it dates back 100 years.
Congratulations to all involved in keeping this tradition going.
Thanks for sharing- but don’t go along this year as they’re taking a break! Hopefully it’ll return on Boxing Day 2023- it’s high on my Boxing Day “to-do” list…
Best wishes,
Averil