• What: An eccentric assortment of Classical Greek games and English country pastimes that has been going on in Shropshire for almost 125 years.
• When: Four days in the second week of July
• Where: Much Wenlock Sports Centre and other venues in the Shropshire town of Much Wenlock.
• ContactThe Wenlock Olympian Society
• Admission: Entry fees per event vary
• Visit their website

In 1994, as part of celebrations of the 100th anniversary of the modern Olympic movement, the Juan Antonio Samaranch, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) visited Much Wenlock, in Shropshire "because this is where the modern Olympics started."


In 2010, two full years before the London 2012 Olympics, the villagers of much Wenlock will hold the 124th running of their own Olympian Games.

The games are an assortment of Classical Greek events, like running and hurdles, and English country sports like rifle shooting, football, quoits and cricket. There are also a fair number of eccentric and fun events - tilting, blind wheelbarrow racing and one year an "old woman's race for a pound of tea." The event also includes a procession of dignitaries, athletes, and spectators led by a brass band.