Every November, a rural pub in Cumbria is taken over by tall tales and silly stories as the World’s Biggest Liar competition takes place.
This quirky annual competition is a popular event in the Cumbrian calendar, taking place at the Bridge Inn, Santon Bridge.
The rules of the competition are fairly straight forward. Contestants are allowed five minutes to tell the best story they can, in order to win the title of The Biggest Liar in the World. Lies must be told without any scripts or props, and anyone can take part, with the exception of politicians and lawyers (as they are deemed too good at lying).
The World’s Biggest Liar competition is said to be held in tribute to Will Ritson. Ritson was a pub landlord in Wasdale during the 19th century and was well-known for spinning a yarn or two about the local area.
Today the contest has become quite well-known, attracting liars from all over the world. In 2006 comedienne Sue Perkins won the competition, becoming the first female to do so.
Competitors have spun yarns about everything from the formation of the Lake District by large moles to snail racing with Prince Charles.
Six-time winner Mike Naylor, has won by telling tales about Wassie, the monster that lives in the nearby Wastwater lake, and finding out that he is related to the Royal family. This year’s challengers will have to come up with a good story to beat this local lying legend!
When: 21st November 2019
Where: Bridge Inn, Santon Bridge, Cumbria CA19 1UX
£: Tickets cost £12 and include a tattie pot supper
More info: www.santonbridgeinn.com