Village prepares to 'wang' its apples

Residents in a Staffordshire village have said their unique sport and "celebration of all things apple-y" unites their rural community.

Alton's annual Apple Day was inspired by conservation charity Common Ground’s demonstration against British orchard deforestation in 1990.

For the 10th year, the Alton Community Events committee has organised an afternoon of apple pressing, cake contests and the physical challenge of "apple wanging".

The practice involves swinging a hessian sack of apples as high as possible over your head.

Looking to diversify events in the village after a diamond jubilee celebration in 2012, the committee heard about Common Ground’s Apple Day events, held to highlight the varieties of apples in danger of being lost, as well as ecological diversity.

"Although there are no particular orchards around here that needed saving, we thought, let's just make it a great day of it," co-founder Jonathan Shepherd said.

"It's always very popular," added fellow organiser Louie Young, "an event which all the villagers look forward to."

Co-founder Sue Green subsequently dubbed their event the "Apple Wanging World Championship".

Men are challenged to throw a 6kg sack of apples over an adjustable rugby post, while women throw 4kg and 2.5kg for the children.

Alex Grinstead from Kingsley was the 2023 champion, reaching a height of 6.5m, which surprised Mrs Green given that he is a village "outsider".

This year's winner of the modern village tradition will be presented with a wooden trophy carved in the shape of an apple by local artist Kevin Green.