Even squirrels get involved at the championships (Photo: Ashton Conker Club)
When: 9th October 2016, 10.30am – 3.30pm
Where: The Shuckburgh Arms, Southwick, near Oundle, Northamptonshire
£: Admission for spectators costs £5 for adults, £2 for children. Family tickets cost £10. Parking is free. To take part in the championships, players should enter in advance online
What is it?
The World Conker Championships will take place on Sunday 9th October at The Shuckburgh Arms in Southwick, Northamptonshire.
The World Conker Championships first took place on Ashton village green, surrounded by horse-chestnut trees, in 1965. It was said to have started after the regulars at a local pub couldn’t go on a fishing trip. They decided to have a game of conkers instead with a small prize for the winner. Today the event is staged nearby in Southwick with competitions for men, ladies, and juniors.
David Jakins as the King Conker (Photo: Alan Fox)
All conkers and laces for the championships are supplied by Ashton Conker Club. Each player takes three alternate strikes at the opponent’s conker. The game is decided when one of the conkers is smashed.
The competition kicks off at 11am with a parade of players. The competitors play on white podiums in the arena and have to play through various rounds until a winner emerges. The winner is then led to the Conker Throne and crowned with conkers.
In addition to the championships there will be plenty of family friendly entertainment. Expect pub games, stalls, a juggling workshop, a climbing wall, a guide dogs demonstration, live music, and morris dancing.
This year there will be performances from the Peterborough Morris Men, the Palmy Ukulele Band, and the Samba Bandits. Live music will also come from Five String Thing, Sync ‘n’ Tap, and the Weekenders.
The proceeds from the World Conker Championships will go to charities for the blind and visually impaired.
More info: www.worldconkerchampionships.com