No porkies... pie eating is really an elite sport!
Tongue-in-cheek letter to Boris asks for permission to run contest despite Covid ban
THE organiser of the World Pie Eating Championships has called on Boris Johnson to allow the competition to go ahead.
In a tongue-in-cheek letter, the Prime Minister has been urged to give special permission for the hosting of the popular annual event on the grounds that it is ‘an elite sport’.
Held at Harry’s Bar in Wigan, the messy but much-loved contest has became a regular pre-Christmas tradition.
But current Covid-19 restrictions mean this year’s event is in doubt.
Appealing to Mr Johnson, organiser Tony Callaghan pointed out that the event includes a substantial meal and suggested that it could be held in a car park in order to adhere to the rules.
He wrote: “As you are no doubt aware, Harry’s Bar in Wigan hosts the annual World Pie Eating Championships at Pie Noon on or around December 16.
“We are applying for special dispensation to hold it this year on the grounds that the event should be classified as an elite sport, but also involves consumption of a substantial meal.
“Well, maybe not on the grounds itself because of the tier thing and we’re shut, but we might see if we can use Wallgate car park.
“We cannot do this by Zoom because the buggers will all cheat. Also, some think Zoom is a nightclub in Bolton, so they will be confused.
“We would also request that competitors are allowed to be exempted from wearing a face mask during the contest.
“With Best Wishes for a Merry Christmas.”
While he is yet to receive a response to his plea, Mr Callaghan says he hopes Mr Johnson will give the event the green light.
The Prime Minister has been known to enjoy a pie or two and was even pictured eating a slice on his campaign bus ahead of last year’s general election.
“I’m hopeful he will let us host it because of the type of person he is,” sad Mr Callaghan.
However, he concedes that the event may end up having to be postponed until next year.
“I could run the risk of holding it on a car park because it is an open space but I don’t want to do something I shouldn’t,” said Mr
Callaghan.
“We have been running this for donkey’s years, so it is disappointing. “Everything is doom and gloom at the moment. The Pie Eating Championships puts a smile on everyone’s faces.”
The contest regularly attracts competitors, spectators and media coverage from across the globe. Last year’s event was won by Ian Gerrard, who beat five-time champion Martin Appleton-Clare to take the prestigious title. Competitors are required to wolf down a pie as fast as they can in a bid to secure the dubious honour of being the pie eating world champion.
The event made global headlines in 2016 when organisers sent a pie into space attached to a weather balloon.
During normal times, the rules are simple and anyone can take part - just turn up at the pub and prepare to punish the pastry.