18-04-2025
Uppies and Downies 2025 gets underway in Workington
THE GOOD Friday edition of Uppies and Downies 2025 has got underway.
The traditional Workington event was started this evening when the ball was thrown off by seven-year-old Brodhie Saffill-Kirkpatrick from Northside.
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.
With shouts of 'The ball is in the beck!' and 'Come on Uppies!' or 'Go on Downies!' the event has brought the town alive every Easter for as long as anyone can remember.
Brodhie with the ball before throwing it off (Image: Newsquest)
Earlier this week, Brodhie's mum Billy Saffill said that the seven-year-old was 'nervous' and 'excited' to be carrying on the tradition, for the second year in a row.
Players have been eagerly awaiting the 2025 series, with the Downies hoping to take back the bragging rights this year.
After Richard Hodgson sealed the 2-1 Uppies' victory in 2024, lifelong Uppie Elvin Jarvis said he is 'sure the Downies will be out in force this year to try and win'.
READ MORE: Workington looks forward to Uppies and Downies 2025 series this Easter
