A custard pie in the face is one of the most well-known moves of classic comedy. We’re all familiar with it from stage and screen, but did you know it’s also famous for being the basis of a quirky sporting event? The World Custard Pie Championships take place every year in Kent and the 2022 contest is happening on Saturday 18th June. It will see around 2,000 ‘pies’ being thrown.
These quirky championships have been taking place for more than 50 years. And teams are expected to travel from all over the country, and further afield, to take part.
The competition is scored and judged by special Custard Pie Judges who are well versed in the art and tradition of pie throwing. What goes in these pies to make them, is a closely-guarded secret. But what you can be certain of, is that throwing them is messy!
The rules of custard pie throwing
So, you may be wondering whether there are rules to custard pie throwing or if it’s just a free-for-all.
Well, yes there is a set of rules, which are as follows:
1. Each contestant should be 8’3¼” from the target (the opposing team member).
2. Pies should measure no more than 10¼” in diameter or 2.47cm in depth.
3. Pies can only be thrown with the left hand.
4. Pies should be held flat in the hand.
5. The pies should not be raised above shoulder height.
6. Points will be awarded for direct hits and near misses as follows:
a. Six Points for a direct hit (this must strike squarely on the face)
b. Three points for a near miss (from shoulder height upwards)
c. One point for a pie hitting any other part of the body
d. Two consecutive misses and the team member forfeits one point
7. On no account should any contestant be in possession of more than three pies
8. Targets may avoid pies, but should not take more than 3’2” or one step in any direction.
9. At no time should any pie be a greater distance from the ground than that previously agreed with the judge. Account will be taken of wind velocity, danger to onlookers and the general fitness of contestants to cope with pies flying at high speeds.
10. No compensation can be awarded to any onlooker who is either deliberately or accidentally daubed with a quantity of pie filling, unless this should exceed the average quantity of custard eaten per head in the year 1987.
11. Teams drawn to compete against each other will act as their own human targets.
12. Judges well versed in the art of Custard Pie Throwing will award points for direct hits etc.
13. Special marks will be awarded by the judges for dress, maximum 6 points when the teams parade for the championship.
As well as custard pie throwing, there’ll be food, activities and entertainment for all ages to enjoy. For more quirky sporting championships, race over to this page!
When: 18th June 2022
Where: In the grounds of Coxheath Village Hall, Stockett Lane, Coxheath, Maidstone, Kent ME17 4PX
£: It costs £60 to enter a team and it’s free to watch
More info: theworldcustardpiechampionship.co.uk