An annual ‘knob-throwing’ competition has been cancelled as organisers move to make the event every second year in the hope to give it ‘more oomph’.
The Dorset knob-throwing competition, an event where locals gather to see who can throw a specially made biscuit the longest distance, would have celebrated its tenth consecutive year this May but Moores Biscuits pulled out.
The firm said they would come back with ‘bigger and better’ festival in 2019 and said the knob-throwing event would become bi-annual.
A woman competes in the event Annual Dorset Knob-Throwing Festival in Cattistock Village in 2013
A woman throws a knob in annual competition in Dorchester, Dorset in 2017
The event where locals gather to see who can throw a specially made biscuit the longest distance, would have celebrated its tenth consecutive year this May
Originally Dorset knobs (pictured) were made from leftover bread dough with added butter and sugar, hand-rolled and left to dry. The competition to throw them has been running for 10 years
David Winship, a partner at Moores Biscuits, the only company that make the savoury treat, told the BBC: ‘We’ve been doing it for 10 years. It’s not formulaic but it’s much the same year after year and I think the cancellation was right.’
In a statement on their website, Moores Biscuits said there were ‘a number of reasons for this year’s cancellation’.
What is a Dorset knob?
A Dorset knob is a dry, savoury, biscuit that has been made by Moores for more than 150 years and was reportedly a favourite snack of Thomas Hardy.
They are made from leftover bread dough, with added sugar and butter and rolled and shaped by hand.
The thrice-baked snack is crumbly and dry.
It is believed the name comes from Dorset knob buttons, another traditionally handmade good. However, some theorise it is before they are often compared in shape and size to door knobs.
They can be eaten with cheese, dipped in tea or cider, or with honey and tea which is known as ‘thunder and lightning’ by locals.
‘We have a relatively new organising committee. There is an enormous amount of work involved in running the event and we wanted to be absolutely sure that we had the expertise and experience necessary’ they said.
‘There was also some discussion about whether, after 10 years, the event had run its course. This was very clearly answered for us by the immense support we have received from the public and Dorset food traders since announcing the 2018 cancellation.
‘Everyone seems to love it so we will go ahead in 2019 and are hugely looking forward to it. The Dorset Knob Throwing is a zany, quintessentially British event which has caught the public imagination. It’s great fun and will be back.
The festival includes games such as knob and spoon racing and pinning the knob on the Cerne Abbas giant
Dorset Knob Throwing Festival, Knob and Spoon race, Dorchester: festival goers compete to be the fastest knob carrier
More than 4,000 people attended 2017’s knob-throwing competition.
The festival includes games such as knob and spoon racing and pinning the knob on the Cerne Abbas giant.
The 2017 competition was won by Pete Asher who threw his biscuit an impressive 74.4ft (22.7m).
The competition is held in on the first Sunday in May every year.
More than 4,000 people attended 2017’s knob-throwing competition, which is held on the first Sunday of May every year
Throwing festival 2nd Annual Knob Throwing festival in Cattistock village near Dorchester