How egg rolling became an Easter tradition in Preston

Described as one of Preston's "most cherished Easter traditions" dating back more than 150 years, it is estimated that about 20,000 people attended an egg rolling event at a Lancashire park on Easter Monday.

The free annual event at Avenham Park is recognised as one of UK's longest‑running Easter egg rolling events.

But what exactly is egg rolling and how did it become a fixture of Preston's Easter Monday celebrations?

The traditional Easter custom of rolling eggs down grassy slopes dates back to the Middle Ages.

It is thought to represent new life and the resurrection of Christ with the charity English Heritage saying some people think this originally symbolised rolling away the stone from Christ's tomb.

Preston's egg rolling first started in 1867 at Avenham Park when families would decorate hard boiled eggs known as pace‑eggs - a Lancashire custom where the eggs were wrapped in onion skins before they were boiled to give them a mottled golden finish.

Some of these were rolled competitively with the winner being the owner of whichever egg travelled furthest without cracking - while others were simply launched downhill for the fun of it.

It was also tradition to destroy any remaining shells on the grassy hills, otherwise Lancashire witches could steal them and use them as boats, according to Visit Preston.

Families are invited to bring decorated eggs - hard boiled or chocolate eggs - for the annual event which has turned into a festival featuring market stalls, street performers and workshops, as well as an Easter bonnet competition.

The famous egg rolls took place down the hill at Avenham Park on the hour, every hour, from 11:00 BST to 16:00.

This year, animal rights activists called for the egg rolling to be banned and suggested using potatoes instead.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) asked Preston City Council to "modernise" its annual event over the "cruelty" of the dairy industry.

The council responded by saying the event does not prescribe the type of egg to be rolled and visitors have the choice as to what they roll down the hill.

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