Food lovers taking aim as black pudding war returns
BREAK out the black puddings...the wacky world championships is back.
The self-styled World Black Pudding Throwing Championships returns on Sunday in Ramsbottom.
Competitors hurl black puddings at a stack of 12 Yorkshire puddings suspended on a 32ft-high scaffolding.
Whoever knocks off the most wins. Simple. Except anyone who’s ever had a go knows it isn’t that easy.
Hundreds of potential pudding lobbers are expected to gather for the annual spectacle from noon at the Oaks pub on Bridge Street in Ramsbottom, near Bury.
The rules – steeped in history – require all throws to be underarm.
All the black puddings used are also wrapped in tights to preserve the Lancashire delicacies in the heat of battle – and competitors must have one foot on the famous ‘golden grid’ as they throw. The tradition is said to date back to 1455, when warring factions of the House of Lancaster and the House of York met for battle in the nearby village of Stubbins.
Legend has it that the troops ran out of ammunition and so resorted to throwing food at each other – black puddings from Lancashire and Yorkshire puddings from Yorkshire.
Revived by residents in the 1980s, it has been a popular custom in Ramsbottom ever since, drawing spectators from far and wide to watch and enjoy a fun-filled day of music and food every year.
Anyone can have a go at the competition and the entry fee is £1 for 3 tries. Those taking part this year will be attempting to knock the reigning champions off their perch.
Last year Nick Pennell, 45, from Wolverhampton, was crowned adult champion. He knocked down five Yorkshire puddings.
The junior winner was Jennifer Astle, 11, from Chadderton, Oldham, who managed to dislodge the same amount.
The event will also include live music, food and drinks, and games and activities for children.
Bury council said temporary road closures and waiting restrictions during the course of the event would be in force around the Bridge Street, Square Street and Silver Street areas of Ramsbottom.