The annual Woolsack Races in Tetbury.
When: 29th May 2017, from 11.30am (teams need to register by 11am)
Where: Tetbury, Gloucestershire
£: Races cost from £10 – £20 to enter. Free to watch
What is it?
Tetbury, once known for its thriving wool and yarn markets, celebrates its heritage with an annual quirky race through the town. This year the Tetbury Woolsack Races will take place on Monday 29th May (bank holiday).
Tetbury in Gloucestershire was one of the most well-known wool and yarn markets in the country during the 16th century. The Woolsack Race, originally run between two pubs (The Royal Oak and The Crown), is thought to have begun with young drovers showing off their strength to the local women.
The official races have been running for over 40 years now and today the race has a shorter course of 240yds. The races have even made it into the Guinness Book of Records and each year it raises money for good causes.
The Tetbury Woolsack Races are run up a steep street, named Gumstool Hill, where crowds line up on either side to watch this quirky spectacle. There are races for men, women and youths, as well as mixed teams. Teams like to get into the spirit of the event, with some competing in fancy dress.
To get a taste of the event, have a watch of the clip below.
This year the races are complemented by street entertainment, with music from Samba band Ilu Axe and Swindon Brass Band. An additional event taking place this year is the Veloton Cycle sprint, an uphill cycle sprint competing for the best time. There will also be stalls, and magic from Colin Dymond, making it a great day out for the whole family.
This year’s good causes benefiting from the event are Longfield Hospice Care and local youth sports projects.
More info: www.tetburywoolsack.co.uk and www.facebook.com/tetburywoolsack