Every year, the ancient streets of Ashbourne transform into the stage for one of Britain’s most extraordinary sporting traditions. This year, we at Avanti Jewellers have been bestowed a tremendous honour – the Shrovetide Committee has asked us to display the 2026 Shrovetide balls in our window. We are absolutely thrilled to have been approached with this privilege and to play our part in celebrating a tradition that runs deep in the heart of our community.
This Year’s Turner-Ups: A Royal Lineage and a Lifelong Dream
The privilege of “turning up” the ball is reserved for those who have earned deep respect within the Shrovetide community. The prestige of this honour is illustrated by past turners-up, including King Charles III (then Prince of Wales) in 2003.
On Tuesday 17th February 2026, Sir Andrew Walker-Okeover Bt DL will turn up the ball, following his grandfather (1931) and father (1978). Despite this impressive family legacy, Sir Andrew remains humble: “I’m astounded to be asked and absolutely buzzing that I have been, but it came as a huge shock to be asked myself. Only legends of the game tend to really be given that honour; you earn the right to turn up the ball.”
On Wednesday 18th February 2026, Pete Mellor will fulfil a lifelong dream: “I’ve dreamed of this all my life. It’s a great honour to be bestowed on you from the people of Ashbourne and the committee.”
Before turning up the ball, each starter enjoys a lavish lunch before carrying the ball through the streets to Shaw Croft. There, after singing Auld Lang Syne and The National Anthem, the ball is thrown to the waiting players and the game commences.
This Year’s Balls: A New Collaboration
This year marks a notable change in ball making. Terry Brown, who traditionally crafts the balls, has been joined by Carl Spencer. The ball painters, Tim Baker and Simon Hellaby, continue the tradition of one Up’ard and one Down’ard painting the balls. Simon Hellaby painted the Tuesday ball for Sir Andrew Walker-Okeover (working on Terry Brown’s ball), whilst Tim Baker painted the Wednesday ball for Peter Mellor (working on Carl Spencer’s ball).
An Ancient Game Like No Other
For centuries, Ashbourne has been home to the Royal Shrovetide Football, one of the world’s most unique sporting events. Played over two days every Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday, this tradition quite literally divides our town in two.
Originally contested between the separate townships of Ashbourne and Compton, the game’s dynamics changed when Compton was amalgamated into Ashbourne in the 1860s. The river Henmore became the dividing line: those born north play for the Up’ards, whilst those born south play for the Down’ards. Today, family tradition often determines allegiance, but this geographical heritage remains at the game’s heart.
The Rules of Engagement
Two teams compete to “goal” a leather ball at their own goal, spaced three miles apart along the river Henmore. The Up’ards aim for Sturston Mill, the Down’ards for Clifton Mill. Though both original mills have been demolished (Clifton in 1919, Sturston in 1981), purpose-built stone goals now mark these historic sites in the river.
Victory comes when a player taps the ball three times against their team’s goal. The scorer keeps the ball as a trophy for life and is hoisted onto teammates’ shoulders, paraded back to The Green Man where a Shrovetide official validates the goal.
The game starts at 2pm at Shaw Croft and runs until 10pm. If a goal is scored before 6pm, a second ball is turned up for evening play.
The Art and Craft of the Shrovetide Ball
Each ball is a masterpiece of traditional craftsmanship: stout cowhide leather hand-stitched with seven-cord hemp and filled with cork, designed to be robust yet buoyant enough to float in the river Henmore.
Ball painting began around 1897, and only five people have ever been entrusted with this honour. Each ball is decorated with images chosen by the turner-up, depicting their life and interests. However, the paint doesn’t survive long in a good game. As Ashburnians say: their game is worth a coat of paint! Any scorer can have their ball repainted afterwards to commemorate their achievement.
Our View of the Action
At Avanti Jewellers, we occupy a corner site in the town centre at the junction of Dig Street, Church Street, and St John Street. Year after year, we witness the magnificent spectacle of the “hug” (the dense mass of players fighting for control) surging past our windows. The atmosphere is electric, the passion intense, and the sense of community overwhelming. This tradition brings something truly special to our town each year, and it’s one of the reasons we love being part of Ashbourne’s fabric.
Visit Us to See the 2026 Shrovetide Balls
We are deeply honoured that the Shrovetide Committee has entrusted us with displaying this year’s balls in our window. This is about more than a window display. It’s about supporting and celebrating a tradition that defines our community.
Whether you’re a lifelong Ashburnian, an Up’ard or Down’ard supporter, or a visitor curious about this extraordinary tradition, we invite you to visit Avanti Jewellers to see the 2026 Shrovetide balls before they take their place in history.
We look forward to welcoming you, and to another unforgettable Shrovetide.
