Boxing Day Meets to be held on Monday 27th December 2021

Hunts and their supporters are looking forward to returning to towns and villages across the country over the festive period this year, however, as Boxing Day falls on a Sunday in 2021, the majority of packs will be holding their traditional Boxing Day meet on Bank Holiday Monday, 27th December with trail hunting not taking place on the Sunday.

With Covid restrictions curtailing festive gatherings in 2020, hunts took the decision to protect communities by not hosting their traditional Boxing Day meets last year, so for those people who only show their support for hunting over the festive period, this will be their first opportunity to see hounds back in their local area for two years.

Polly Portwin, Director of the Campaign for Hunting at the Countryside Alliance said: "The hunting world is looking forward to showcasing their lawful trail hunting activities again this year and welcomes the return to village greens and town centres across the country."

"With most hunts meeting on Monday, 27th December this year we want to ensure hunt followers, local residents and supporters are aware that hounds will be meeting on Bank Holiday Monday so that everyone can plan their festivities to ensure they are still able to enjoy the spectacle while showing their support for hounds at a traditional Boxing Day meet."

Although there are currently no restrictions on outdoor gatherings, some packs have decided to move out of smaller venues where it may be harder to maintain social distancing and have arranged for new locations for their Boxing Day meets this year. Details of meets across the country being held on Monday, 27th December, will be published on the Countryside Alliance website in the lead up to Christmas. The Countryside Alliance will continue to monitor any future government announcements regarding Covid restrictions and any changes to Covid legislation to ensure that hunts continue to protect their supporters and the wider community who wish to see the spectacle of a Boxing Day meet in a safe and secure manner.

With a quarter of a million people usually supporting hunting with hounds over the festive period, the return of this much-loved and social event will be welcomed across the generations.