Uppies and Downies

The modern tradition began some time in the latter half of the 19th century, with the match played annually at Easter to raise money for local charities.

There are no other ostensible rules of play and the game is primarily a rough and tumble scrum interspersed with break-away sprints by members of one team or the other, with some similarities to rugby.

Uppies and Downies refer to the residents of the top (East) and bottom (West) of the town, which slopes down towards the sea.

In the past, police have issued safety advice to visitors and local parents warning of getting caught up in the inevitable rough and physical encounter.

[9] A pair of coal-black iron-ore coloured figure statues created by Maryport sculptor Colin Telfer depict the Easter mass event; one stands outside Workington Hall, and the other at the town harbour.