Battle is readyto roll with theEaster marbles

Teams from local pubs and clubs will be donning fancy dress and knuckling down when the competition gets underway at 10am on April 3.

The colourful event is organised by Battle Chamber of Commerce and there is a host of other fun and entertainment taking place on the day.

Teams will be wearing colourful and flamboyant fancy dress. Previous years have seen teams dressed as Mr Men, Lego figures and the video game Tetris.

A thousand free marbles will be up for grabs when the Marble Scramble takes place at 11.45am.

Children have a chance to win a free Easter Egg in a free to enter Bonnet Parade at 11.30am.

Other attractions include a barbecue, organised by Battel Bonfire Boyes, face-painting, candy-floss and music.

Cups and medals will be presented at 12 noon. There is no entry on the day.

New for this year is the Battle Marbles Trail from April 3 to 10. Follow the clues to find marbles around town and get a mini chocolate egg for each marble you find. Just pick up a leaflet from around town and you’re off.

Battle Abbey is holding an Easter Adventure Quest from Good Friday to Easter Monday.

Yesterday’s World is holding a children’s quiz and children can hunt for hidden bunnies in the recreated shop windows.

This traditional annual competition dates back to the early 1900s and was revived in Battle in 1948, with lady entrants permitted for the first time in 1972.

Marble players used to wear the traditional Sussex smock. The smock of the late Frank Anderson, who died in 1967, can be seen in the Battle Museum of Local History, along with a display of marbles and photos.

The rules for Battle Marbles include no donkey dropping and the umpire’s decision is not negotiable.