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Dover's Hill, Chipping Campden
Dover's Hill, above Chipping Campden and overlooking the Vale of Evesham, is a beautiful plateau commanding extensive views from the plains of the Avon and the Severn to the foothills of the Welsh mountains. Owned by the National Trust, it provides an ideal setting for open air games.

 

Each year, on the traditional date of Friday after Spring Bank Holiday (the date for the Games this year is Friday 31st May 2019 on Dover's Hill starting at 7.30pm), the hill echoes with the shouts and cheers of competitors and spectators as Robert Dover's Cotswold 'Olimpick' Games (not Olympic Games) are celebrated. Bands march, cannon fire, rustic activities and wrestling take place, and the evening is brought to a close with fireworks and a torchlight procession into Campden followed by dancing in the square.

 

 

Shin-kicking.  Shin-kicking has once again become a regular feature of Robert Dover's Olimpick Games, much to the delight of the spectators.   

 

Contestants hold each other by the shoulder and try to kick shins and bring opponents to the ground. A Stickler, the ancient name for our judge, makes sure that shins are hit before a fall can count. Our kickers wear the traditional white smocks associated with shepherds. They are allowed to protect their shins with straw. 

 

The Champion is the winner of the best of three challenges in the final bout, having kicked his way successfully through the early rounds.    

 

For more details click here for The Olimpick Games 2019