The annual international apple throwing championships will take place at the start of next month and you can be in with a chance of winning the coveted prize.

Newby Hall, Ripon, will be the backdrop for the unique and fun competition on Sunday, October 1.

Staged at the start of British Apple Month, the event marks the end of Newby’s 2023 season.

Taking place between 1pm and 3pm, contestants who qualify by throwing three apples to the far side of the River Ure will be invited to take part in the grand finale at 3.30pm, with a chance to win the coveted title and apple trophy.

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Among the apple-themed activities and new this year is an apple cookery contest.

Visitors with a garden entry ticket are invited to bring along an apple-themed culinary creation – anything from pies, crumbles and cakes to chutneys, jellies and beverages - to be judged by the cookery experts at Skelton WI.

The winning entry will be awarded a 2024 season ticket for Newby Hall.

Following the apple throwing final, all entries will be auctioned off, with money raised going to the Northern Fruit Group which promotes knowledge of growing fruit in the north, as well as registering heritage fruit varieties and orchards and advising on their care and maintenance.

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Other apple-themed activities will include apple pressing demonstrations, cider tasting, a display of some of the heritage apple varieties grown in Newby’s orchards and apple growing advice by the Northern Fruit Group. 

Head gardener Lawrence Wright and his team have been busy harvesting apples from Newby Hall’s orchard in anticipation of a high turnout for this popular seasonal event.

This year’s sunny June brought out the natural sugars in the fruit, ensuring the crop reached its full flavoursome potential.

Mr Wright said: “While this year’s crop isn’t quite the bumper harvest we saw last year, the sunny spring means the apples taste excellent. Recent research suggests that apples could be classed as a superfood because of the fruit’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. So perhaps mum knew best and an apple a day really does help keep the doctor away.

“We are delighted to continue to champion British Apples, both for great healthy eating and to support the rich diversity of wildlife on the estate – it’s a fun way for all of our visitors to get involved at the end of our busy 2023 season.”