Safety tips ahead of football game with no rules
BBCSafety tips have been issued ahead of a traditional mass football game with no rules played across a town.
The 2026 Uppies and Downies series starts on Good Friday in Workington, Cumbria, with hundreds expected to turn out to watch and support.
The game has been played for hundreds of years and sees people with roots in the upper side of the town, the Uppies, clash with those traditionally from families in the lower side - the Downies.
Cumbria Police has issued a reminder to the public to be aware of where they park their cars, as the game can move to any part of the town.
Crowds follow the players during the game, as they fight over a specially made ball, which is also the prize for the winner.
The force said it would deploy extra officers and resources "to support a safe event".
A spokesman said: "We are asking those involved and watching to think about their safety and look out for each other, those taking part need to be aware of their surroundings and take particular care near water."
Parents should also speak to their children to ensure they are aware of safety advice and the risks posed by large crowds.
How it works
The Uppies and Downies series is made up of three matches, played on:
- Good Friday (3 April)
- The Tuesday after Easter (7 April)
- The following Saturday (11 April)
The game starts at 18:30 BST on each date from the footbridge between Allerdale House and the Black Path, opposite Tesco in Workington.
There is no official end to the match and the game ends when one of the teams wins - known as "hailing" the ball.
The game has no organisers and anyone who wants to play is free to join, but the difficulty is to know who is playing for which side.
Players do not wear a kit or any distinctive items, so it is up to them to either know who their teammates are based on previous matches, or work it out as the game unfolds.
A game ball is made by an official ball maker for each game, historically sponsored by a different family in the town.
The sponsors choose who throws off the ball to mark the start of the game.
Once the game starts, there are no formal rules and the scrum can move across the town.
Players often clash in the beck by the Black Path and have been known to move across residential streets, car parks and the town centre precinct.
Who wins?
The Uppies' aim is to get the ball to Workington Hall, while the Downies have to get it to a capstan at the town's harbour.
The player who can get the ball to their side and throws it in the air three times, meaning the ball is hailed, will win the game for their team.
They also get to keep the ball and are deemed a hero for the night, with fellow players traditionally heading to a pub, where the hailer is bought drinks.