Barrels, Bottle Kicking & A Big British Easter

Welcome back to Fields and Feasts — the podcast where farming folklore meets foodie fun, all delivered with muddy boots, sharp tongues, and a healthy respect for the seasons.Ever heard of an Easter tradition that involves barrels, brawls and absolute mayhem? 👀In this brilliantly bonkers episode of Fields & Feast, Miranda and Matt head into the heart of Leicestershire’s legendary bottle kicking tradition, a historic Easter Monday event packed with village rivalry, mud, madness and community spirit.From its mysterious origins to the modern-day chaos that still draws crowds every year, we unpack one of the UK’s most unique rural rituals. Whether it began as a pagan celebration, a local legend involving a hare, or simply a reason for neighbouring villages to settle scores in spectacular fashion, bottle kicking remains one of Britain’s most fascinating countryside traditions.Expect stories of blessed pies, flying barrels, no real rules, and rugby-style scrums, as Miranda and Matt explore how this rough-and-ready event has survived for centuries, despite nearly being banned, and why it still means so much to the communities who keep it alive.If you love quirky British traditions, Easter oddities, and a bit of countryside chaos, this one’s for you.---Follow Fields & Feasts on Instagram @fieldsandfeasts2026 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.