Marble mania is back in Battle

It is a tradition which is celebrated throughout Sussex and Kent but the most colourful and well-supported event takes place in Battle, with its hard fought marbles matches and fancy dress competitions combined with the popular children’s Easter Bonnet Competition and free 1,000 marbles scramble. This year, for the first time, it is rumoured two teams have even appointed a coach to try to get them onto the winners’ podium.

There were just 30 players in 1984, but the event has grown and for the last few years more than 100 people have played in teams of five to compete for the various cups, shields and medals awarded for both skill at marbles and inventiveness with fancy dress outfits. Medals are sponsored by the Rotary Club of Battle.

Teams cannot be entered on the day, but there is an ‘all-comers’ board for visitors to try their hand at the sport.

Children must be entered for the Easter Bonnet competition in advance – contact Tamzin Gray on 01424 775169 or email [email protected]. There is no entry fee, all children entered will receive an Easter egg, courtesy of Battle Muffin Club.

Ricky Adelaide and band will be playing, Nobles will provide a barbecue and the Muffins will sell candy floss to raise money for charities. If the weather is bad the matches will be held in the Memorial Hall. Matches start at 10am, prizegiving at noon, the Easter Bonnet competition at 11.30am, marbles scramble at 11.45am.