Next month the Stroud community will come together in its attempt to beat the Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of people wearing Akubra style hats.

One thousand nine hundred and twelve is the magic number –  in 1912 the iconic Akubra brand name came into being.

And, 1912 also will be the number of people in Stroud aiming to beat and to knock out Kempsey’s record set in 2012. 

Not a bare head will be in sight, at this year’s addition to the annual Brick Throwing Competition at the Stroud Showground on Saturday, July 14.

Akubra wearing men, women and children will also vie for the title of 2018’s supreme chucker, with bricks, rolling pins and rubber chickens to be flung across the historic town as it hosts the annual Brick and Rolling Pin Competition. 

Traditionally, the male event includes throwing a brick which weighs five pounds, providing a chance to demonstrate their so-called impressive skills and masculinity.

Women on the other hand get to fling a specialised rolling pin weighing in at two pounds, with the fun-filled addition of children hoisting a rubber chicken provides much laughter and entertainment for everyone, and ensures all family members can get involved in the day’s festivities.  

Hunter strongman and Australian champion brick thrower, Kurt Livens will return to the 2018 event to defend his title. 

Those up for the challenge to beat Kurt’s 2017 record of 97’ 7”  – entries for all categories are open from approximately 11.30am on event day.

In 1960 the towns of Stroud in the UK and the USA – both brick-making towns – held the first bricking-throwing contest. 

Australia and Canada joined in 1961, and in 1962 the NSW town suggested including a women’s rolling pin contest. 

Nobody would have ever assumed an entire event could be based on a brick, and that so much fun could be had from such a basic object. 

Boasting a population of just over 700 the community however had very different ideas for this slab of cement, and is now the only Stroud in the world to continue this whacky tradition for nearly six decades.

The sights and sounds are like no other, with a variety of amusement rides and novelty events providing a truly unique family day out. 

Children and adrenalin junkies alike will have endless fun and laughter with the various amusement rides on offer – just be careful to duck out the way of the propelling pins.

To find out more about this unique event, visit:  www.stroudbrickthrowing.com.au