Lancaster vs. York: It’s a rivalry that goes back hundreds of years (literally.) And it’s this struggle between red and white that has become the basis for the largest Varsity Tournament in Europe on its 60th birthday.

We begin over 60 years ago, on 15th May 1965, when the then Vice-Chancellor of York, Lord James of Rusholme, suggested a boat race between Lancaster University and York University. The students at both universities expanded on the proposed race. Instead, they held a 3-day, Olympic-style tournament with various sports: rowing, table tennis, relay race, mixed field hockey, and tug of war. The winner of each competition received two points, and the losing vice-chancellor presented a trophy to the winning university.

As the years went on, the event’s popularity continued to snowball to exponential heights, increasing in size with each tournament.

Which brings us to now…

With over 140 fixtures across the weekend, events range from eSports to American Football. Live coverage of the event is broadcast every year by a collaboration between the two university’s student television stations (YSTV and LA1TV), radio stations (BailriggFM and University Radio York), and campus newspapers (SCAN and York Vision).

Every year, Roses promises an event to behold, an unforgettable memory for everyone involved. And this year, Lancaster has the chance to break records with a historic fifth consecutive win. Can we do it?

Whether you are Lancastrian, or a devout Yorkie, wear your colours, support your team, and get ready for the ultimate tournament to decide whether Roses are Red or White.

(Just in case you were wondering, ROSES ARE RED!)