Get your sticks ready and your aim steady: the 13th World Aunt Sally Singles Championship is back, and it’s shaping up to be a cracking day of competitive chucking, cheeky pints, and good old-fashioned Oxfordshire charm.
Set for Saturday 28th June, this eccentric-yet-epic tournament takes place during the annual Charlbury Beer Festival at the town’s cricket club, a glorious sun-drenched patch just two minutes from Charlbury Station, which is handy if you’re planning to sample more hops than the average bunny.
What is Aunt Sally, anyway?
If you’re new to this noble tradition, Aunt Sally is the very Oxfordshire art of throwing sticks at a wooden dolly on a spike, once possibly a chicken (yes, really), now a harmless wooden target that has nothing but pride to lose.
Its origins are murky (and possibly a bit unkind to Cromwell), but one thing’s certain: it’s been turning competitive pub-goers into local legends for centuries.
How the Game Works: Aunt Sally 101
If you’ve never played (or never sober to remember), the aim is knock the skittle clean off to get a point.
The Rules:
- It’s a singles knockout. No teams, no excuses.
- Each round is three legs, with six throws per leg.
- Ties? First, a three-stick playoff. Still even? Sudden death, one stick at a time until someone bottles it.
- The umpire’s decision is final. (Yes, really. Don’t argue.)
On The Day: Your Pint-by-Pint Schedule
- 12:00: Registration opens
- 12:30: Non-league players’ pre-qualifier
- 13:00: Randomised draw
- 13:30: Championship begins
Prizes, Prestige, and Pints
The champion walks away with £100 in cash and a glistening replica trophy, while the runner-up earns a respectable £50, and perhaps, even more importantly, bragging rights for life (or at least until next year).
The winner’s name also gets engraved on the prestigious Finings Cup, which is displayed annually at the festival like a pint-pulling version of the FA Cup. You may get a chance to gaze in awe close up and dream of having your name up there with legendary ranks of past winners like Roger Goodall, Rob Bradford, Phil Adams, Kevin Powney, and Steve McAteer, whose names are etched into Oxfordshire’s finest throwing lore.
This year’s event is proudly sponsored by Bronsens, the friendly Witney-based accountants who’ve been long-time supporters of Charlbury’s frothiest traditions.
2025: Record Breaker Roger Goodall Defends His Crown
Talking of local legends, the headline act this year is Roger Goodall, the only ever triple World Champion (2015, 2017, 2024). The hometown hero returns to defend his title and possibly add a fourth notch to his formidable record. Can anyone knock him off the podium? That depends on your hand-eye coordination and ability to perform under the influence of 60+ real ales.
Yes, you read that right, the Charlbury Beer Festival boasts more beers than you could politely sample in a day (not that it stops people trying). It’s widely considered one of the largest independent one-day beer festivals in the country, drawing around 3,000 punters for music, food, games, and merriment.
Fancy Your Chances?
You need to register to take part in the World Championship via the website. If you are not a league player, pre-qualifying is required to show they’re worthy of stick-slinging greatness.
Did I mention there was Beer?
This is no ordinary knees-up. With over 60 real ales, a buzzing music stage, and the legendary World Aunt Sally Singles Championship, Charlbury Beer Festival is Oxfordshire’s answer to Glastonbury… but with more hops and fewer wellies perhaps?
Charlbury Beer Festival is organised entirely by volunteers and supports local and overseas community projects through Charlbury And Overseas Community Projects (Registered Charity No. 1110285). Every pint helps fund something good and 100% goes to charity.
Whether you’re a beer nerd, a stick-slinging legend, or just in it for the Pimm’s and people-watching, Charlbury Beer Festival is a highlight of the Oxfordshire summer.
Event Details
- Where: Charlbury Cricket Club (OX7 3QG)
- When: 12pm–9pm, Saturday 28 June 2025
- What Else: The legendary Charlbury Beer Festival!
This isn’t your average village game – it’s a battle for the Finings Cup, eternal bragging rights, and… £100 in cold, hard, beer-buying cash.
Ticket Info
| 🎟 Ticket Type | 💸 Price (Online / On the Day) | 🍺 Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Beer/Cider Ticket | £18 / £20 | Festival glass + drink tokens |
| Entry-Only | £7.20 / £8 | Access to all non-beer bars (Gin! Pimm’s! Wine!) |
| Under 18s | FREE | Bring your grown-up and you’re in! |
N.B – There is a strict no dogs policy, except assistance animals
How to get to the Charlbury Beer Festival
There is parking at the Charlbury Cricket Club (OX7 3QG)
No Car? No Problem. Taking public transport means you can drink more, and you are in staggering distance to excellent train and bus links from Oxford, Chipping Norton, Witney, Worcester, and even London.
This means you can leave the car at home and fully embrace the spirit of the day. The organisers are keen to point out: “You don’t need to drive if you want to have a drink!” — sound advice.
Whether you’re a seasoned thrower or just here for the shenanigans and beer, the Charlbury Beer Festival is truly a great day out. We’ll be there as always, so see you by the stumps. Stick in one hand, pint in the other. Cheers!
