A look at Uppies and Downies which returns to Workington this month

As we approach Easter there is only one thing on the minds of the people of Workington - an age old tradition that sees two sides of the town fight it out in the epic Uppies and Downies.

Mark Rawlinson with three uppies and downies match balls - the lighter toned one is a souvenir special. The other two are the match balls from 1917 and 1943.. (Image: Supplied)

And because the game will return at the end of the month, much to the delight of the many hundreds who play and spectate in the game, we have decided to take a little walk down memory lane to look at Uppies and Downies in previous years.

The ball flies over a fence at an Uppies and Downies game back in 1976. (Image: Archive)

With shouts of 'the ball is in the beck' and 'come on uppies' or 'go on downies', the game has brought the town alive every Easter for as long as anyone can remember.

A hard fought game which went through the town centre back in 2016. (Image: Archive)

The traditional Easter game, which is played in three matches on Good Friday and the following Tuesday and Saturday, sees those with roots in the upper part of town try to take a specially-made ball to Workington Hall, while those from the lower part trying to get it to the harbour.

Glen Adams prepares to start the Saturday game of the 2002 Uppies and Downies series. Also pictured are Glen's dad, David, Joe Sandwith and Joe Sansom. (Image: Stan Partleton)

Throughout its history, which is thought to date back to medieval times, the game has only ever been called off for two years due to the coronavirus pandemic which meant people could not gather at the Cloffocks to celebrate what some would say is 'the jewel in the crown' of Workington's heritage.

Uppies and Downies Easter Tuesday 1982 (Image: Archive)

There are no organisers of the game and it has been known over the years for its uniqueness in having no apparent rules.

Uppies and Downies Easter Tuesday Game 2012. (Image: Tom Kay)

The game will return this Good Friday, Easter Tuesday and the following Saturday.

Lifelong Uppie, Elvin Jarvis said:  "We are really looking forward to this year's games and with the special King Charles coronation balls it's giving the game extra excitement as players seem to come out in more numbers when there are special balls made.

"We are reminding everyone that the ball can go anywhere - and to try and keep cars away from the Cloffocks."

Panic strikes the onlookers as the players race for the ball back in 1980. (Image: Archive)

Charity committee members Elvin Jarvis and David Shepherd are organising the annual charity night this year raising money for Andy's Man Club, Workington with a charity night on April 26 in the Trades Hall.Action from the game in 1969 - Easter Tuesday Uppies and Downies (Image: Archive)