CANCELLED: Aldermaston's historic candle auction returns

A traditional candle and pin auction will return after three years.

The historic candle auction will be hosted at The Hind's Head in Aldermaston on Friday (November 18) from 7pm.

The practice dates back to at least the 18th century and is held in November or December every three years.

The local vicar will act as auctioneer, accepting bids for the letting of a Church Acre for the next three years – in this case, 2.2 hectares of farmland along Fisherman's Lane.

A horseshoe nail is stuck through a candle and once the flame reaches the nail, it falls out, and whoever placed the last bid wins. Aldermaston's event is among the only surviving examples of the ancient method of selling.

Everyone is welcome to attend and drink rum punch while they watch the bidding.