A snail ‘races’ to win (Photo: Tony Scase News Service Ltd)
When: 16th July 2016
Where: The cricket field at Congham, Norfolk
£: Free
What is it?
The World Snail Racing Championships 2016 will take place in Norfolk on Saturday 16th July. The event is part of the annual Congham Fete.
More than 200 snails slug it out every year in the championships, which have been running since the 1960s.
The races are held on top of a table, which has a special damp cloth spread out on it. The cloth has three circles marked on it. The snails are placed in the middle and the first one to reach the outer circle wins. The races are started by a shout of “ready, steady, slow” and the snail ‘trainers’ shout words of encouragement to their prize snails.
Snails in action (Photo: Tony Scase News Service Ltd)
Anyone, young or old, can take part in the World Snail Racing Championships. Competitors may bring their own snails from their gardens if they wish.
The championship heats are held throughout the afternoon, with a grand final at the end. The winner receives a silver tankard which is stuffed with lettuce leaves as a reward for the triumphant snail.
Congham Fete helps to raise money for the 13th century St Andrew’s Church. Admission to the fete at Congham is free and this year there will be a fancy dress competition, live music, a hog roast, a bar, stalls, and games.
More info: www.scase.co.uk/snailracing