I think the famous shirt-throwing contest first took place at village fetes in the west country. Amateur soccer players and the like used to compete to see who could throw their shirt the furthest. I believe the winner was then presented with a yard of ale. I vaguely remember a shirt-throwing contest being held at the Sidmouth Folk Festival for several years in the late 50s and early 60s with morris dancers throwing shirts decorated with badges and insignia along the prom. Shame it appears to have died out. It was a colourful and enjoyable contest.