The sport of snowball fighting hits Finland for the 17th time. But unlike your typical snowball fight, this contest has rules, a proper playing area and even a referee. In a knock-out format teams of six go head to head, each provided with 90 snowballs to launch at the opposition in three manic minutes. The idea (obviously) is to hit the opposition, which eliminates them from the game. Points are awarded for every player a team has on the pitch at the end.

Location: Kemijärvi, Finland
Date: 31st March to 1st April 2012
 

World Pooh Sticks Championships

Location: Kemijärvi, Finland

Date: 31st March to 1st April 2012

Further information: www.yukigassenfi.aazilla.com

In the spirit of Winnie-the-Pooh, individuals and teams race short twigs, aka Pooh sticks, over a distance of roughly twenty metres down the River Thames (before it gets too big). Disappointedly, entrants have pre-assigned spots on the bridge, precluding the necessity (and fun part) of a thorough examination of the river beforehand to determine the best spot. The sure fire way for success is to bear in mind the advice handed out to Tigger from Eeyore, the real expert, by ‘letting your stick drop in a twitchy sort of way, if you understand what I mean.’

Location:

Days Lock, Little Wittenham, OX14 4RB

Date:

Sunday 25th March, from 11am

Further information:

www.pooh-sticks.com