Cambridge University 'Caesarian Sunday' students advised to stay home

Hundreds of students are expected to gather on Jesus Green on Sunday

Students planning to attend an annual drinking and wrestling day in a city park on Sunday have been advised by Cambridge University to stay away.

"Caesarian Sunday" has become a spring tradition for some students.

But in the past local residents have complained about them urinating in public, stripping off and bad language.

A university spokesman said some colleges had asked students not to attend "to avoid the regrettable behaviour of recent years".

They have also informed them that the police will be in attendance on the day.

'Blowing off steam'

Hundreds of students are expected to gather on the green for a day of fancy dress, drinking and wrestling.

Drinking societies from Jesus College - the Caesarians, and Girton College - the Green Giants, traditionally hold a wrestling match.

It is said to have started after a member of the Green Giants stole a bottle of alcohol from a Caesarian member.

However, local residents have regularly complained about the behaviour of some of the students.

One, whose house overlooks the green, said: "Last year there was a lot of swearing. It wasn't necessary, especially on a Bank Holiday with families trying to enjoy the park.

"If they want to do that sort of thing they should use their own university grounds."

However, another said: "You have to live and let live, being in the centre of town - and this is a student town after all."

One student told the BBC Caesarian Sunday "represented students at their most irresponsible", however, another - a member of a college drinking society - said he intended to "hang out" on Jesus Green.

"It's just students blowing off a bit of steam," he said.

"There have been some occasions when people have got a bit out of hand and obviously no one should do that."

Ch Insp Neil Sloan, from Cambridgeshire Police, said: "We have been working closely with the Cambridge colleges on this matter.

"Should people decide to go to Jesus Green there will be an appropriate police presence throughout the day to promptly resolve any incidents of anti-social behaviour and prevent any reoccurrence."