Brave Climbers Tackle 25ft Greasy Pole for Festival Ham Prize

A unique tradition in Irvine, Ayrshire, is set to unfold this weekend as participants attempt to scale a 25ft (7.6m) greasy pole for the chance to win a ham. This event is part of the annual Marymass Festival, a vibrant celebration that includes parades, live music, and fireworks.

The greasy pole challenge has a rich history, reportedly dating back over 100 years. Dillon Green, who plays an active role in organizing the festival, explained that the origins of this quirky event remain somewhat mysterious. “Back in the day, the ham was to feed the poor of the town,” he said. “Guys would climb the pole, win the ham, and then share it out among the town.”

This year’s challenge is particularly significant, as it follows a five-year hiatus partly caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and associated insurance challenges. The event’s absence in 2022 and 2023 sparked considerable disappointment among locals. Green noted that the community’s excitement is palpable, stating, “There was uproar when it didn’t go ahead. We had to switch off our phones because of the angry notifications.”

Festival Highlights and Community Spirit

The Marymass Festival, which has origins traced back to 1372, will showcase a series of events this Saturday, including a grand parade, horse racing, and live jousting. Yet, the greasy pole challenge is anticipated to be the focal point. Green shared that the spectacle often draws large crowds, describing how “lines several people deep will form along the streets during the Saturday parade.”

Last year marked the challenge’s return after years of inactivity, and Green expressed optimism that a winner will emerge this time. The winner will traditionally be seen collecting donations for local charities with the tarpaulin used to hold the ham. He noted the importance of maintaining community ties, saying, “It remains something that can draw a community together, even hundreds of years after its inception.”

Despite its popularity, the event has faced challenges in recent years, particularly regarding gender representation. “We haven’t had a women’s team compete since the 90s; it’s usually men who try it,” Green remarked. The typical strategy involves climbers forming a human pyramid to reach the ham, which is secured with barbed wire and shrink wrap.

A Rich Tradition with a Modern Twist

The festival’s charm lies in its combination of historical significance and modern entertainment. Green, a member of both the Irvine Carters’ Society and the Marymass Festival Committee, emphasized the importance of preserving the tradition while adapting to contemporary tastes. “We’ve tried to keep that tradition while bringing in modern elements,” he explained.

The festival has evolved over the years, with many elements, such as the crowning of the Marymass queen, dating back to the 1920s. Green recalls fond memories of the festival from his childhood. “I remember my papa would have us up at six in the morning to see the first horse boxes arriving. It’s always something I’ve wanted to get involved in.”

As the festival continues to thrive, Green remains hopeful for its future. “The world has changed a lot, but Marymass has been here long before us and, with hard work, it will be here for many years more. We are just the custodians of it for now.”

With the greasy pole challenge set to take place, Irvine’s community spirit shines brightly as residents come together to celebrate their unique heritage and engage in friendly competition.