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The Redbourn Conkerthon

Have Family Fun, Play Conkers With Active In Redbourn

Join Active in Redbourn next September on Redbourn Common next to the Cricket Pavilion. Enter the traditional Conkerthon with knock out competitions and prizes for all ages. Plus FREE fun and games for all the family. 

What tree to conkers come from?

 

Conkers are the seeds of the horse chestnut tree. This attractive tree was brought to Britain from south-east Europe 400 years ago Today, you can find horse chestnut trees in parks, gardens, streets and village greens across the UK.

Conkers is a traditional children's game played with horse chestnuts. Although originating as a children's game, conkers  now attracts all ages. 

There are several conker tournaments throughout the UK with the World Conkers Championshipsat the pinnacle. In the game, two players take turns attempting to smash each other’s conker using a string or shoelace.

The player with the intact or undamaged conker after a series of matches is declared the winner. Conkers is popular in the United Kingdom and other parts of the world, especially during the autumn season when horse chestnuts are collected.

This Autumn 2024 will see the fourth Redbourn Conkerthon.

What is a Conkerthon?

A conkerthon is literally an event centred on playing conkers. There is a series of adult and junior knock out conker matches with the last two players in a final to win the coveted title. There is a small entrance fee. All conkers and laces are supplied to traditional rules. 

Redbourn Conkerthon

Now in its 4th year (Septem2024), the Redbourn Conkerthon has become a firm favourite in the village events calendar.  It is open to all comers. It takes place in and around the Cricket Pavilion with bar and snacks as needed. There is a paid bar-b-q. To participate just turn up and pay a small entry fee. There are adult and junior matches. All conkers and strings are supplied. Games are supervised. You can also enter free games and other activities dotted around the site. Bring all the family and have a picnic

Conkerthon Junior Winners
Redbourn Conkerthon Junior Winners

The Redbourn Conkerthon is a family fun day out. It takes place every year on Redbourn Common in September just as chestnut trees are producing fruit. Created and managed by Active in Redbourn,  hundreds of enthusiasts arrive from miles around to become conkerthon champions. It is open to all ages with separate prize categories. As well as playing conkers there are other fun games of skill to play while the conker players go through the rounds

Family Fun For All Ages

A conkerthon is literally an event centred on playing conkers. There is a series of adult and junior knock out conker matches with the last two players in a final to win the coveted title. There is a small entrance fee. All conkers and laces are supplied to traditional rules. 

Redbourn Conkerthon is Officially Recognised

The World Conker Championships (WCC) has taken place in Northamptonshire since 1965. They have established a set of rules which Redbourn Conkerthon complies with. Members of WCC attend to ensure rules are followed and fair conker matches are played. 

Conkers Active in Redbourn

A World  Conker Competition (WCC) officials attend Redbourn Conkerthon.  They oversee the running of the event and take time to show new entrants how best to play.

The rules for playing conkers can vary slightly depending on personal preferences, but here is a general guideline:

  1. Each player should have a conker (a horse chestnut) with a small hole drilled or pierced through the middle for threading a string or shoelace.
  2. Players take turns, one at a time.
  3. The first player holds their conker in one hand while the other player holds their own conker with the string or lace wrapped around their hand.
  4. The player with the conker held in hand swings it downwards with the intention of hitting their opponent’s conker.
  5. The aim is to strike the opponent’s conker forcefully enough to break it.
  6. Players alternate turns until one conker is destroyed or damaged.
  7. If the attacking player’s conker breaks the opponent’s conker, they earn a point.
  8. The player with the winning conker now becomes the attacker in the next round.
  9. If the attacker’s conker misses or doesn’t break the opponent’s conker, they still retain the attacking role for the next round.
  10. Players can choose to skip turns if they do not want to attack or if their conker is significantly damaged.

Remember, it’s essential to follow safety precautions while playing conkers to avoid any accidents. Young children should be supervised, and protective eyewear is also recommended.

 

 

The games take the form of a knockout competition following the strict rules of the game.  The last two entrants in each category play a final to become champion, a position they hold until next year’s event.