Conker the world: Championship draws international crowd to Northamptonshire
World Conker Championships returns to Southwick for 'absolutely bonkers' event
Hundreds of competitors from across the UK and around the world are set to descend on Northamptonshire this weekend as the World Conker Championships returns.
The annual event which is taking place in the village of Southwick, is expecting around 290 competitors, making it the biggest championship in its history.
Organisers say more than 2,000 spectators could also attend if the weather stays fair.
Chairman Jim Packer said visitors can expect "an absolutely bonkers, brilliant day" packed with family entertainment, food, drink and one of Britain's most unusual sporting contests.
The championships, which began in 1965, have raised more than £485,000 for charities supporting visually impaired people and attract competitors from across the globe, including international entrants travelling from countries such as Japan.
Packer says volunteers spend weeks collecting conkers from across Northamptonshire and beyond, with this year's haul including donations from Kirby Hall near Corby.
This year's event is being held at the Shuckburgh Arms pub, runs from 9.30am until around 4pm in Southwick, near Oundle, with a free children's competition also taking place alongside the main championships.
Packer said: "It's important to have fun. There's way too much serious stuff going on in the world. It's much more light-hearted community spirit."
Alongside the battle to be crowned Conker King and Conker Queen, visitors can enjoy children's rides, live entertainment and Morris dancers throughout the day.
While entries for this year's championships have already sold out, spectators are welcome to attend and organisers hope the event will inspire a new generation to take up the traditional autumn pastime.
"It's a great British heritage pastime," Packer said. "We want to see it continuing for years to come."
For more information visit worldconkerchampionships.com