Dorset Knob Throwing Festival returns this weekend

Organisers of The Dorset Knob Throwing Festival, otherwise known as KnobFest, returns on Sunday, July 14 in conjunction with the Cattistock Countryside Show at Chilfrome. The event was last held in 2019 at Kingston Maurward.

The knob throwing festival was previously held every year on the first Sunday in May in the west Dorset village of Cattistock – which sees people throw Dorset Knob biscuits as far as possible. Known for their name, the knobs used in the contest are actually biscuits made using traditionally fermented dough and given three separate bakings.

Throwing is the feature activity of the festival, but is coupled with several knob games, which includes this year; Knob Painting, splat the knob, knob or no knob, putt the knob, knob and spoon race, guess the weight of the big knob, knob darts, knob pyramid and also a chance to pin the knob on the Cerne Abbas Giant.

Enthusiasts come together to celebrate county's quirky festival (Image: Supplied) A spokesperson for the Dorset Knob Throwing Festival, said: “Knob throwing started in the early 2000s.

“The first Dorset Knob Throwing took place behind the pub in Cattistock near Dorchester.  Good fun was the verdict, let’s do it again next year.  So, it happened again with a bit of grub thrown in.  Then it got too big for behind the pub so moved to the Cattistock village play area.

“The event became so popular that the organisers reluctantly made the decision, in 2017, to find new grounds to accommodate the many KnobFest goers.

“Various factors precluded a KnobFest in 2018 but it was back for a hugely successful event again at Kingston Maurward in 2019.

“Then, sadly, while planning the 2020 event, Kingston Maurward decided that Knob Throwing no longer met its profitability and resourcing criteria and it was unable to support the planned return.  Then came Covid.  Now, post-Covid, Knob Throwing is back. 

Knob and spoon race at a previous event (Image: Supplied) “The overriding aim is for visitors to have a really good day out and enjoy the knob games and all that the Countryside Show has to offer.  Proceeds go to support the village of Cattistock and surrounding rural areas.  It is part of our rural community mission.”

Knob eating is absent from the games, as it was in 2019. The spokesperson added that 'competitive eating competitions just aren't done these days.'

There will be live music playing throughout the day to get visitors dancing in the crowd. Guests can also sample a selection of food and drink, whilst keepsakes, memorabilia, and other goodies will be available in stalls in the day.

After event entry to the Cattistock Show, tickets for the Knob Throwing Games will be available on the day, priced at £1 each per game, to be purchased in strips of five.

To find out more, visit www.dorsetknobthrowing.com. For more about The Cattistock Countryside Show, visit www.cattistockshow.co.uk.