World Red Kite Fighting Championships announced for Charlbury Beer Festival
Following the success of the World Aunt Sally Championships at the Charlbury Beer Festival, organisers have announced a second, equally violent event – the World Red Kite Fighting Championships.
In an event inspired by the bull rings of Spain, Charlbury residents with Dutch courage will be invited to pit their wits, and talons, against the Evenlode valley’s population of red kites. A steak will be thrown into the centre of the 150m diameter Bull Ring, temporarily installed on the site of the cricket pitch. The would-be matador wins the round if they can retrieve the steak and run back to safety before a red kite swoops down to take it, or them.
With the Beer Festival’s customary eye for fund-raising, all retrieved steaks, as well as any felled kites, will be barbecued for sale to thirsty drinkers. The Bull Ring will be sponsored by the Bull, and the red kites by the Fiends of the Evenlode Valley.
Entry will be restricted to drinkers who have already downed five pints of ale. No under-18s will be permitted, although the organisers are considering a junior event pitting primary school children against robins. A mash-up event combining Aunt Sally and Red Kite Fighting has been shelved on legal advice.
Richard Fairhurst · Wed 1 Apr, 10:51 · Link