Police issue statement on Atherstone Ball Game 2025
Police have issued a statement ahead of this year's Atherstone Ball Game. It comes after they used a different tactic prior to the annual event last year.
Warwickshire Police said that organisers would have to stop the game if violence broke out at any point. Police chiefs said that they would not tolerate the scenes that emerged in 2023 which were caught on camera and went viral.
As this year's event, in keeping with tradition, is due to be held on Shrove Tuesday, police have said that they have started to plan ahead. They said that they were 'generally pleased' with how it went last year and are now working with organisers ahead of what will be the 825th event on March 4.
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In a statement, Chief Superintendent Mike Smith spoke of the balance the force has to strike when policing the event. "The Atherstone Ball Game has been a tradition since 1199 and is a key cultural event in North Warwickshire," CS Smith said.
"Last year, you may recall that we made a concerted effort to support the organisers of the Ball Game to ensure that the event could take place while maintaining the safety of attendees and the businesses along Long Street.
“We were generally pleased with how it took place last year, and we will be looking to provide similar support for this year as well."
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He added: "Policing the event requires a delicate balance; protecting a historic event that means a lot to the local community, whilst holding to account those who use the game as an excuse for criminal violence and vandalism.
"We’d like to thank the community in Atherstone and the organisers for supporting us in the policing of this unique event."