What's on in the area

World Conker Championships

11 Oct 2009 (annual)

Cost: £4; concessions £2; family ticket (2 adults & up to 4 children) £10

Hours: Registration & stalls 8am; competition 10.30am-3pm

Every year more than 500 contestants of all ages from across the world gather for the world conker championships on the Ashton village green, in front of around 5000 spectators.

As is usually the case with the more off-the-wall world championships, the roots of the event can be traced back to the local pub. Thwarted in their attempts to organise a fishing trip back in 1965, a small group of locals organised a conker competition with a small prize and a collection for charity. Since then, the championships have raised over £300,000 to help various charities for the blind.

In addition to the competitions, there are plenty of stalls, snacks to munch on and rides for kids.

Ashton

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