Tree flinging contest a "much-loved" festive event

It is not until the New Year that people traditionally throw away their Christmas trees.

But one event near Battle, in East Sussex, is trying to change all that by seeing who can fling a festive spruce the furthest before December even starts.

Held on Saturday, the contest at Catsfield Christmas Tree Farm has become something of an official winter sport in the area since it originated in 2020, attracting competitors from all across the South East.

Farm owner Clive Collins said: "The tree fling has become a much-loved part of our Christmas build-up, and people really do take the competition seriously."

This year's showdown saw adult contestants tasked with hurling a six-foot (1.8m) Norway spruce, while smaller versions were used in both the under-10 and under-16 catergories.

Cheered on by a large crowd of spectators, the women's winner was 2023 and 2024 champion Becky Palmer, 27, from St Leonard's, who threw 7.88m (25.85ft).

She reclaimed her title by beating last year's best distance of 5.65m (18.53ft), which was thrown by Louise Thompson, 36, also of St Leonards.

This year's men's winner was James Gardiner, 37, of Hailsham, who threw 10.45m (34.28ft), beating his own winning 2025 throw of 9.1m (29.85ft).

Both champions won £150 and a tree-shaped wooden trophy.

Collins said the contest was "a really simple idea" which had proved very popular with people.

He previously recommended entrants "use a brush or mop to sharpen their throwing technique" before the big day, with a "javelin-like approach" proving the best method to achieve the longest distance.

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