Crowds gather for the championships (Photo: Paul Anderson)
When: 9th September 2018, from 11am
Where: The Oaks, Ramsbottom, Lancashire
£: Free to watch. It costs £1 to enter the competition
What is it?
Lancashire is famous for the production of the regional delicacy, black pudding. So, the Lancashire town of Ramsbottom makes a fitting home for the annual World Black Pudding Throwing Championships.
The aim of the championships is to throw a black pudding that has been wrapped in a pair of ladies tights at a collection of Yorkshire puddings. The Yorkshire puddings are balanced on a plinth, 20 feet up a tower. The tower is built especially for the event and situated in the middle of the main street. Whoever knocks down the most Yorkshire puddings, wins!
Originally the contest was hosted by The Corner Pin pub in the nearby village of Stubbins. This quirky contest is said to have sprung up as a tribute to the brave men and women who repelled raiding parties from Yorkshire. Since the closure of The Corner Pin public house, the competition has been held at outside The Oaks pub on Bridge Street in Ramsbottom.
The World Black Pudding Championships have gained popularity over the years with an unofficial demonstration of the sport at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester and with television coverage from the Hairy Bikers.
This popularity has continued with the event attracting a number of international entries from as far afield as Australia, New Zealand, France, Italy, Peru, Argentina, USA, Poland, Kenya and Norway.
This year’s contest will take place on Sunday 9th September, with competitions for both adults and juniors. The event kicks off with the opening ceremony at 11am and finishes with the championship finals at about 4pm. There will be entertainment throughout the day including rides, live music, and food and drink. The Oaks will be hosting live music and DJs from 12pm, as part of their Pudfest.
More info: www.facebook.com/theoaksramsbottom and www.burytimes.co.uk/news