1st - 2nd June 2007
The Cotswolds Olimpicks is almost as old as the real thing probably dating back to 1612.
In fact, on the very year that we here in England will be hosting the ancient and incredible games in London, the Cotswolds Olimpicks will be celebrating their 400th anniversary! They are even recognised by the official Olympic committee!
Robert Dover, an earl from Norfolk, was given permission by King James I, in 1612, to hold the games on a regular basis and as a result he was a very much admired and exalted man in the local area.
Some of the activities you can expect to witness...or indeed join in with (anyone can partake!) are 'climbing the unclimbable ladder', a massive tug of war, a 5 mile run, a falconry display, single stick fighting and of course...the reason you are all here - the unforgettable and very painful looking - Shin Kicking!
This unusual and rather eccentric sport consists of two people at any one time, dressed in white lab style coats. They hold each other by the shoulders and kick away! It does what it says on the tin! The only padding allowed for participants is straw stuffed into their trousers, in years gone by, however, people started wearing steel toe capped boots to aid their cause... ouch!
The evening's entertainment will finish with a torchlight procession accompanied by thousands of fireworks over the stunning vale of Evesham to the town square in Chipping Campden where the real fun begins! All the pubs and hotels stay open awaiting our arrival and there will be maypole and morris dancing all to make this a truly English experience. The following day we'll return to the square to crown the May queen (are you fair enough?) and dance round the Maypole in true pagan fashion! To top it all off, there is a Carry On favourite...a fancy dress parade! Bring your funniest outfit, you never know what you might be going home with!!!
The 100 mile 'Cotswolds Way', a well trodden path over the gorgeous English Cotswolds, actually links Coopers Hill, home of the insane Cheese Rolling which occurs the week before. If you want to join us on the Cheese Rolling tour, walk over to Chipping Campden and meet us again for a ride home after the Olympicks', let us know and we'll help you arrange it!
2 Day Package Includes...
Tour guide services and transportation
Accommodation
Breakfast
packed lunch on day 1
Entrance to Olimpicks
Entrance to partake in all activities
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