The Ba’ game, played in Kirkwall, Orkney (Photo: Charles Tait)
When: 25th December 2012 (Christmas Day) and 1st January 2013 (New Year’s Day)
Where: Kirkwall, Orkney
£: Free
What is it?
The Ba’ is played every Christmas and New Year on the streets of Kirkwall. A long running tradition played by the Uppies and the Doonies. The team you are on depends on what side of town you are born, or more commonly these days what your family loyalties are. The aim is for the teams to try to carry the ba’ to their side of town.
The men’s game, which usually has around 200 participants, begins at 1pm when the ball is thrown up in the air. A huge scrum usually ensues and spectators should be aware that the scrum often runs into the crowd! There is no telling which way the scrum will head and often gets caught up in the various dead ends of the towns closes and yards. Local shops tend to close their shutters and cars are wise to keep a distance, however there are very few serious incidents during the game.
More info: www.bagame.com