The strangest traditions and events in the south

The south boasts some of the UK's most elegant and prestigious events, from regattas on the waters of the Thames to state visits at Windsor Castle.

But it is also home to some of its strangest customs.

From nettle eating and Pooh sticks to bun throwing and beer-fuelled trolley racing, people across the region do not shy away from life's weirder side.

Here are some of the more unusual events, games and traditions across Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and Dorset.

Aunt Sally

A pub game with centuries of history that sees players throw sticks at a wooden "dolly" balanced on a swivel-topped iron post. It may seem simple, but an afternoon at Charlbury's Aunt Sally World Championship is enough to show anyone it can be as thrilling as a cup final.

World PoohSticks Championships

Competitors from far and wide gather on a bridge in Sandford-on-Thames and drop sticks into the river for this annual race, inspired by AA Milne's Winnie the Pooh books. Everyone from eight to 80 has a chance at victory in this nostalgic game, that has been taking place for more than 40 years.

Bampton Shirt Race

Part obstacle course, part fancy dress chaos. Teams race through the village on handmade trolleys stopping at pubs and drinking beer along the way - or orange juice for the younger participants. The real joy of the event is the creativity of those taking part, with teams appearing as The Flintstones, The Young Ones and Bill and Ben the Flower Pot Men over the years.

Abingdon Bun Throwing

How do you choose to celebrate a jubilee or a coronation? In Abingdon, crowds gather around County Hall Museum while council members in ceremonial robes throw thousands of specially made currant buns off the roof. It is believed to have started with the coronation of George III in 1761.

Hungerford Hocktide Festival (Tutti Day)

Each year, the town of Hungerford steps back into the medieval period for one of England's oldest surviving customs. Dressed as Tutti Men and Tutti Women, locals parade through the streets carrying decorated poles, visiting homes and businesses while handing out oranges and collecting kisses. The festival dates back to when John of Gaunt granted commoners grazing rights and permission to fish in the River Kennet.

Swan Upping

It may sound like something out of a children's story, but Swan Upping is a serious annual census of swans on the River Thames. Crews in traditional uniform travel upstream in boats, catching, counting and health-checking the birds before releasing them. The event passes through parts of Berkshire and Oxfordshire each summer, combining conservation work with centuries-old royal tradition.

Tichborne Dole

In the village of Tichborne, a centuries-old act of charity still takes place each spring. Bags of flour are handed out to residents in a tradition said to date back to the 12th century, when Lady Mabella Tichborne promised to provide for the poor. Legend has it that if the custom is ever abandoned, a curse will fall on the family.

Crookham Mummers Play

Performed each Boxing Day, this traditional folk play sees costumed villagers take to the streets of Crookham Village for a lively and often chaotic performance. Featuring exaggerated characters, mock combat and plenty of audience interaction, the play has been passed down through generations and remains a local favourite.

Beltain Celtic Fire Festival

At Butser Ancient Farm, spring is welcomed with fire, music and ritual. The highlight is the burning of a large wicker figure, inspired by ancient Celtic traditions, although the atmosphere is far more celebratory than the film that made wicker men famous.

Garlic Festival

What started as a celebration of local produce on the Isle of Wight has grown into one of the island's biggest events. Visitors can expect everything from garlic bread and garlic beer to garlic ice cream, alongside live music and entertainment.

Dorset Knob Throwing

In the village of Cattistock, competitors gather to throw hard, biscuit-like "Dorset Knobs" as far as possible. Like Aunt Sally, it is serious business for the top players involved. There are also contests for knob eating and other food-related challenges.

Nettle Eating Competition

Held in the Dorset countryside, this contest challenges participants to eat as many stinging nettles as possible within a set time. Competitors strip the leaves from the stalks and eat them raw, enduring agony in pursuit of glory.

Bridport Hat Festival

From elaborate headpieces to outright absurd creations, this Dorset festival sees hundreds of people take to the streets wearing their most imaginative hats. It includes a Fun Hat Competition that is "open to anyone wearing a hat".

Pack Monday Fair

A historic street fair in Sherborne with a noisy twist. At its heart is Teddy Rowe's Band, a chaotic procession of revellers made up of local youths that create as much noise as possible as they move through the town.

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