| Where: | Crantock, Cornwall village centre starting near the Old Albion Inn and Ashby St Ledgers, Northants at the Avenue Field (near Ashby Manor) |
| When: | First (Ashby) and Second (Crantock) Fridays in September |
| Time: | Both from 5pm onwards |
The annual competitions in the Midlands and in Cornwall follow the same pattern- teams of 4 pushers propel a large bale of straw (the big round ones) around a set course and the fastest team to reach the finishing line win the contest; two pushers roll the bale, while their colleagues at each end steer it. Apparently a large bale weighs around 200 kilos so it’s quite a challenge, especially when needing to turn corners! The Crantock event has been a fixture for well over quarter of a century while Ashby is a relative newcomer on the scene; both events attract plenty of contestants and onlookers, and I’m guessing that the Ashby event was inspired by Crantock’s example as there are so many similarities. Large sums are raised for local charities at each gathering. Currently, the Crantock event attracts over 100 team entries, while Ashby is just over half the size but it may well catch up as it becomes established over time. The Crantock route is on tarmac between the village’s two pubs, beginning with a shorter course for children, divided into different age groups, and for ladies, followed by the full quarter-mile course for the Open competition. Ashby is on the Avenue Field near the Manor House, beginning with a shorter course for Legends, whose joint age must add up to at least 160 years, and for Ladies, and a longer route for their Open competition in which any age may participate. Times are recorded on a scoreboard, and prizes are awarded for the fastest teams in each category, and for the best dressed competitors. Expect plenty of groan-inducing puns for the team names, for example convicts “on bale”. At Crantock a giant Bale Man is erected to advertise the return of the competition, while at Ashby an enormous Bale Bear is constructed called, appropriately enough, Ashby the Bear. Both events have an abundance of live music and entertainments on offer as well as food and drink. The competitions usually take place on consecutive weeks in early September, following the cereal harvest when plenty of straw is available.
Helpful Hints
In 2026 the Ashby Bale Push was on Friday September 4th- 2027 date is yet to be confirmed but likely to be Friday 3rd. In 2026 it cost £40 per team to enter; spectators may attend free of charge but donations are welcome at the entrance. Plentiful free parking is signposted from the Main Street in the village. Gates opens at 5pm, with rolling starting nearer 6pm. History buffs will be interested that the Manor House was home to the Catesby Family, and the Gunpowder Plot plans were discussed in the half-timbered chamber above the gatehouse, where nobody could easily eavesdrop.
In 2026 the Crantock Bale Push should be on Friday September 11th with rolling starting at 5pm. In 2026 it costs £5 per children’s team to enter and £10 per adult team.Parking is usually available at the Village Hall.
Click here for Ashby St Ledgers Bale Push: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557386428991
Click here for Crantock Bale Push: https://www.facebook.com/BalePush
Photos are from Ashby in 2026.
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