Village waits to see its TV contest rivals
Villagers in Coxheath have been glued to their TV screens this week to get a first glimpse of their competitors as Channel 4 airs the first heats in its Village of the Year contest.
Presenter Penelope Keith visited Coxheath in June last year when the village was hosting the 2017 World Custard Pie Championships.
She spoke to organiser Mike FitzGerald, as well as interviewing groups such as the Scouts and football team.
Coxheath is one of 76 villages shortlisted for the contest and will be featured in the programme next Thursday at 3pm, when it hopes to secure a place in the South East area semi-final, to be broadcast on Saturday, January 27, at 8pm.
The ultimate goal – the final – is scheduled for Saturday, February 10, at 8pm. Villages will be assessed by a panel of judges on aspects including appearance, history, events, activities and the visitor experience. Meanwhile, win or lose, Coxheath will again host the World Custard Pie Championships this June, when the aim is to win points by landing a custard pie slap in the face of an opponent.
Entries are invited from teams of four. All pies have to be thrown left-handed.
Teams should come in fancy dress as there is a prize for the best costumes. Entry is £40 per team. For an application form, email