An eggciting tradition in Lancashire

Every Easter, Avenham Park in Preston, comes to life with hundreds of people looking to join in the springtime fun of rolling eggs down the steep banks in the park. This, somewhat bizarre, tradition of egg rolling in the Lancashire park has been in place for over 150 years now and continues to be an important event in the city’s calendar.

But what is egg rolling, and how did it begin?  

What is egg rolling?

There are many different associations with egg rolling, with some believing the cracking of the eggs marks the beginning of spring, and some the resurrection of Christ.

Whatever your belief, the method remains the same. Find a large hill and roll your egg down it, hoping it doesn’t break! The tradition started as the rolling of a hard-boiled egg down a steep street or hill in communities and has developed in recent years to include the rolling of chocolate eggs.

The person who’s egg rolls the furthest without it cracking was deemed the winner, their prize is traditionally good luck for the rest of the year. Once the race was over, the eggs were usually opened for the contents to be eaten by those who joined in.

There are records of egg rolling events that date back to 1694 in the United Kingdom, and it’s believed that Avenham Park’s event started in 1867, when the park wasn’t even officially open. Obviously Preston’s locals knew that the slopes from the top of the park would be perfect for rolling!

How far has the egg rolled?

Many European countries have egg rolling traditions, with records of egg rolling in Paris going back to 1587. To this day events still take place in towns and cities across Denmark, Austria, Sweden, Switzerland, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands. Events also take place in Egypt, Azerbaijan and other Middle Eastern countries.

The White House also holds an annual easter egg roll, but the tradition has changed slightly as it headed over the Atlantic. Instead of rolling eggs down the hill, children now push the eggs along the lawn with a long handled spoon.

Where can you join in with egg rolling in Lancashire?

As mentioned, Avenham Park is the go-to location for egg rolling in Lancashire, taking place every Easter Monday. The event is a fun day out for all the family, with things like market stalls, Easter bonnet competitions and workshops, dancers and music.

Can’t make it to Preston? Don’t worry you can roll your eggs with your family at one of Lancashire’s other parks, why not try one of these?

• Williamson Park in Lancaster
• Whitaker Park in Rossendale
• Rhyddings Park or Peel Park and the Coppice in Hyndburn
• Rivington Country Park in Chorley
• Barrowford Park in Pendle
• Towneley Park or Thompson Park in Burnley
• Corporation Park in Blackburn
• Wyre Estuary Country Park in Thornton-Cleveleys
• Beacon Country Park in West Lancashire
• Stanley Park in Blackpool
• Fairhaven Lake in Lytham St Annes
• Worden Park in Leyland

Just remember after all the fun, to keep our parks tidy by taking any litter home with you.

There are also some fantastic egg hunts and Easter events to join in across the region, find out more about these in our new events guide.