Have a go at snail racing in Norfolk

A snail ‘races’ to win (Photo: Tony Scase News Service Ltd)

When: 21st July 2018, racing starts at 2pm

Where: The cricket field at Congham, near King’s Lynn, Norfolk (nearest postcode PE32 1AH)

£: Free

What is it?

The 2018 World Snail Racing Championships will take place in Norfolk on Saturday 21st July.  The quirky annual event is part of Congham’s village fete, held on the local cricket field (next to Congham Hall).

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 is marked with three concentric circles, and the competing snails are placed in the middle.  The first one to reach the outer circle wins. The races are started by a shout of “ready, steady, slow”; and during the race, the snail ‘trainers’ enjoy shouting 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, but only UK garden snails are permitted to take part.  Competing snails are given a race sticker with a number on it, for identification purposes, and the snail trainers are encouraged to attend in fancy dress.

The championship heats are held throughout the afternoon, with a grand final at the end.  The winner receives a silver tankard, 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 ukulele music, snail crafts, cream teas and stalls.

More info: www.scase.co.uk/snailracing