Centuries old tradition gets global TV audience

A centuries old local tradition is to be seen by a global television audience.

The Haxey Hood game has been played by the North Lincolnshire villages of Haxey and Westwoodside since the 14th Century.

It involves large crowds facing off in a mass scrum to push a leather tube, known as the hood, to one of the village pubs.

Now the ritual will feature on Amazon and Apple TV as part of a six part documentary series featuring British customs called Gatherings.

Ahead of the TV broadcast villagers in Haxey were given a preview screening in the Duke William pub.

Producer and director Dave Brewis said the programme was about "those things which really bring communities together in extraordinary ways".

"It's told via the voices of those who participate, the curators and people who essentially keep these things going," he said.

"They're generally the most passionate people in the communities."

The tradition is said to have started when local noblewoman Lady de Mowbray was out riding between Westwoodside and Haxey when her silk riding hood was blown away by the wind.

She is said to have been so amused to see local farm workers chasing it, she rewarded them land, on condition that the chase be re-enacted every year.

It takes place on 6 January each year and features costumed characters known as The Lord, the Chief Boggin and a fool.

The documentary features footage of the event from years gone by.

Ilene Pearson, 93, described the film as "absolutely marvellous".

"It has all the faces that I recognise over the years. I really, really enjoyed it," she said.

"I come every year without fail because my dad was involved when I was young he was The Lord, so it's in my blood."

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