A much-loved Oxfordshire tradition is set to return this spring as the World PoohSticks Championships make their annual comeback to the banks of the Thames, marking a milestone year inspired by one of literature’s most enduring characters.
The World PoohSticks Championships will take place on Sunday 24 May 2026 at Sandford Lock, bringing together families, competitors and spectators for a day of light-hearted competition and riverside celebration.
This year’s event carries added significance, as it marks 100 years of Winnie the Pooh, the beloved creation of A.A. Milne that introduced the world to the simple joy of Poohsticks.
Organised by the Rotary Club of Abingdon, the Championships have grown from a charming local tradition into an internationally recognised event, attracting participants of all ages from across the UK and beyond.
The format remains reassuringly simple: competitors gather on the bridge, drop their sticks into the flowing water, and race to see whose emerges first on the other side. Yet its appeal lies less in competition and more in shared experience, nostalgia and community spirit.
Following a successful partnership last year, Allica Bank returns as the event’s main sponsor for 2026, continuing its support for both the Championships and the local communities it serves. The bank’s involvement helps ensure the event remains accessible while also contributing to fundraising efforts for a range of charitable causes.
Funds raised on the day will support Rotary-led initiatives, including local charities and the Alzheimer’s Society, alongside other organisations present at the event. The Championships have long combined playful tradition with meaningful impact, reinforcing their role as both a community celebration and a force for good.
Richard Kirby, Event Organiser at the Rotary Club of Abingdon, said the event continues to hold a special place in the local calendar. He highlighted the joy of seeing generations come together on the riverbank, adding that this year’s centenary of Winnie-the-Pooh makes the occasion even more memorable. He also acknowledged the importance of continued partner support in sustaining the event’s charitable mission.
From the sponsor’s perspective, Allica Bank has emphasised its commitment to supporting established businesses and the communities around them. Its local relationship manager for Oxfordshire, Gareth Adams, described the Championships as a celebration of tradition and togetherness, noting the value of events that bring people together while raising funds for important causes.
The event will begin at 11.00am, with registration available in advance or on the day via poohsticks.uk. With participants spanning generations – from young children experiencing their first race to seasoned competitors returning year after year – the Championships continue to embody a uniquely British blend of whimsy, nostalgia and community spirit.
As the River Thames carries each stick downstream beneath the bridge, the World PoohSticks Championships once again promises a reminder that some of the simplest traditions are often the most enduring.
