Allica Bank has once again stepped up as sponsor of the World Conker Championships in Southwick, Northamptonshire. Scheduled for Sunday, 12 October 2025, the competition remains a much-loved highlight of the autumn events calendar.
This marks the second consecutive year that Allica is supporting the Championships as part of its Here is Where the Heart Is campaign, which champions community events across the UK and recognises the essential role that local businesses play in helping communities thrive.
Anticipation is running high for this year’s contest following the 2024 edition, when speculation that the champion had used a steel conker caused a stir throughout the village – even drawing the attention of international media. A thorough investigation later confirmed that the Championships remain as fair as they are fiercely competitive, keeping the race for the coveted World Conker Champion title as intense as ever.
Now in its 58th year, the Championships continue to attract thousands of spectators and hundreds of players from across Europe, the US, New Zealand and further afield. Competitors of all ages battle it out in a knockout tournament, threading horse chestnuts onto strings and taking turns striking their opponent’s conker until it shatters. Both junior and adult divisions compete side by side, each hoping to claim the prestigious crown.
However, the Championships represent far more than just friendly rivalry. Run entirely by volunteers, the event raises money for charity each year and delivers a welcome boost to the local economy – drawing visitors who fill pubs, restaurants and B&Bs, while spotlighting the rural charm of Northamptonshire. Since its inception, the Championships have donated close to £500,000 to charities that support the visually impaired.
“The Conker Championships capture the very best of good old community fun,” said Wahid Nawaz, Relationship Manager at Allica Bank. “We want to help protect and celebrate these unique events. Being based in Northamptonshire, I see first-hand how the Championships bring Southwick to life. It’s about neighbours, families, and local pride – and we’re proud to support an event that showcases the very best of village life in the area.”
In addition to the Conker Championships, Allica’s Here is Where the Heart Is campaign also supports a range of quirky and beloved traditions across the country. From Scotland’s World Stone Skimming Championships to Oxfordshire’s World Pooh Sticks Championships, Allica continues to back the people, events and businesses that are deeply rooted in heritage and bring colour to local communities.
James Packer, Chairman of the World Conker Championships, expressed his gratitude: “We’re absolutely delighted to have Allica back again this year. The Conker Championships are a much-loved tradition, but they don’t just happen by magic – we’re entirely volunteer-run and simply couldn’t continue without the backing of sponsors. Allica has now been our main sponsor for two years running, and they truly understand the importance of local traditions – not just on event day, but throughout the year. Their support means we can keep this brilliant community tradition alive and cracking for years to come.”
Allica Bank, designed to support established small and medium-sized enterprises, has already lent over £3 billion to SMEs across the UK.
The 2025 World Conker Championships will take place on Sunday, 12 October in Southwick, Northamptonshire. Entries for competitors are now open at: worldconkerchampionships.com