The World Shinkicking Championships will return next year thanks to funding from the council.
The unusual sport is just one feature of the Cotswold Olimpicks, held in Chipping Campden, which have been unable to take place since 2019 due to the pandemic.
The games will return in 2022 thanks to a £5000 grant through the Build Back Better Market Towns fund, a £500,000 pot of money set aside by Gloucestershire County Council.
Chairman of the Robert Dover’s Games Society, Andy Norton, said: “We are extremely grateful for the help of Gloucestershire County Council, which means we can feel confident the 2022 Cotswold Olimpicks will be a memorable day for our local community, as well as the hundreds of visitors we expect from further afield.”
Mr Norton said that they have not yet decided how the money will be spent but explained that there is a variety of costs required to host the games.
He added: “While all members of the Robert Dover’s Games Society give their time and energy for free, there are a multitude of costs associated with putting on this event.
“These include sports equipment, marquee hire, fireworks, torches for the parade after the games, building materials for the restoration of the castle on the hill, barriers and fencing, entertainment fees (band, sound & lighting for the party in Chipping Campden), generator hire, hire of skips, bins and toilet facilities, transportation to and from Dover's Hill and security services.
“In addition to all these operational costs, we are also making a number of enhancements to our website to increase online ticketing, donations and merchandise sales. This will help us to get a head-start on our funding for the games beyond 2022.”
Now, a second round of applications for the Build Back Better Market Towns fund has opened, giving more local organisations a chance to receive financial support.
In the first round, £385,386 was allocated to 45 successful bids meaning there is still £114,614 up for grabs.
Councillor Lynden Stowe, cabinet member for finance and change, said: “I’m delighted that we’ve been able to provide funding for so many events and I hope many more bids will come in now the next phase has been launched.
“This funding will help to revitalise our market towns and boost the local economy and I’m really looking forward to seeing these fantastic events go ahead.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here