Wrestlers in traditional dress take part in the costume contest.
When: 25th July 2013 (Gates open at 10am and the first events start at 12pm)
Where: Rydal Park, near Ambleside, Cumbria
£: Adults £6 (under 12s free if accompanied), youths (12 – 17 years) £3, and parking £3
What is it?
There has been a traditional sports day in Ambleside as far back as the 17th and 18th centuries when cock-fighting and bare fist boxing were the acceptable sports of the day. From the 1800s onwards wrestling contests took place but it wasn’t until after the second world war that the modern-day Ambleside Sports began. Since 1946 the sports have been held annually in Rydal Park with traditional wrestling, fell races and hound trails.
The 2013 Ambleside Sports day will feature cycle races, children’s races, fell races, hound trails as well as the popular and quirky Cumberland & Westmorland Wrestling.
Cumberland & Westmorland Wrestling is believed by some to have been introduced by the Vikings over 1000 years ago. Competitors from a young age, in traditional dress, meet in the ring. Those in traditional dress line up prior to the wrestling matches to take part in the costume contest where their outfits of Long Johns, velvet trunks and vests are judged. The wrestlers meet in the ring with a shake of hands before linking together in a backhold grip to try to wrestle one another to the ground. Each bout is judged over the best of three falls.
There will also be food stalls, a beer tent and local crafts at the sports day.
More info: www.amblesidesports.co.uk