Home / Lifestyle / Preston's 150-Year-Old Egg Roll Tradition Faces Modern Protest
Preston's 150-Year-Old Egg Roll Tradition Faces Modern Protest
6 Apr
Summary
- Preston's historic egg roll, over 150 years old, is returning to Avenham Park.
- The custom dates back to the Middle Ages, symbolizing new life and resurrection.
- Animal rights activists are calling for a ban, suggesting potato substitutes.
Preston's time-honored Easter egg roll tradition, a cherished event dating back over 150 years, is making its anticipated return to Avenham Park. This annual free event is recognized as one of the United Kingdom's longest-running Easter egg rolling traditions, drawing approximately 30,000 attendees each year and representing a significant fixture in the city's Easter Monday celebrations.
The custom of rolling eggs down grassy slopes has roots in the Middle Ages, symbolizing new life and the resurrection of Christ. Preston's specific tradition began in 1867 at Avenham Park, where families decorated hard-boiled eggs, known as 'pace-eggs,' often giving them a golden hue by boiling them in onion skins. Some competitive rolling occurred, with the longest uncracked egg winning, while others were simply rolled for enjoyment.
Modern celebrations have evolved into a festival with market stalls, street performers, and workshops, including an Easter bonnet competition. However, this year's event has sparked controversy, with animal rights activists from PETA calling for its ban. They cite ethical concerns regarding the dairy industry and propose the use of potatoes as an alternative. Preston City Council has responded by stating that the type of egg to be rolled is not prescribed, allowing visitors freedom of choice.
