8th Annual Broughton Gifford Games

At the time of the 2014 London Olympics, St. Mary’s Church, in Broughton Gifford decided to organise their own “spoof” games. 

Whilst they were  intended as a one-off, their success has meant that they have been held every year since, offering such esoteric challenges as mackerel juggling, hobby-horse jumping and the paper plate discus. 

Organisers say, “This year’s event will take place on Saturday 6th July, with local estate agents Hunter, French as the sponsors and support from Wiltshire and Swindon Sport. The events start on the common at ten in the morning with nine different events including precision Frisbee throwing, a scooter dash, and an obstacle course for dogs. At 11am, contestants can move to the Bowls Club to show their accuracy with the woods. At 12.30 there are tug-of-war challenges for men women and children, followed by pub sports in The Bell on the Common, where new landlord, Pascal, will be putting on a pig roast.

“In the afternoon, at the other end of the village, at St. Mary’s School, there will be two hours of children’s sports from 2.30pm. At 4.30pm we move to the Village Hall for new age kurling and skittles, supported by refreshments of all kinds. The day will finish there with the medals ceremony, once again supported by our MP Michelle Donelan, at 6.15pm. Do come and join us – there are more than 200 medals to be won!”