ROSSENDALE REVEALED
TOURISM in the UK is increasing year on year, and although visitors to Rossendale have increased in recent years, there is still massive potential in the Valley, attracting more visitors and providing a much needed boost to the local economy.
The Promoting Rossendale Partnership Board has been set up to realize this potential through identifying and developing what is distinctive about Rossendale and effectively marketing these assets.
Over the coming weeks Barry Hyde will be highlighting those hidden gems that make Rossendale distinctive.
This week he looks at The World Gravy Wrestling Championships. THE championships were established at the Rose ‘n’ Bowl Pub in Stacksteads in 2011, and have grown in popularity year on year.
Contestants come from far and wide and are encouraged to wear fancy dress, with a prize for the best on the day.
This event is all about having fun, although most wrestlers do have a serious competitive streak.
There are categories for both men and women, who wrestle in the gravy for two minutes, and are scored on skill, style and audience applause, and all this while wearing fancy dress. The local fire and rescue service will be there to hose down competitors post bout, and the winners of the final will receive the Gravy Wrestling World Championship Trophy with their name engraved on it, and will retain the title for one year.
It’s a great day out for all the family and attracts hundreds of visitors and media from around the world every year, and has included in past years such celebrities as comedian Rory McGrath and actor Will Mellor.
The event is organised by Jon Lowe from the Rose ‘n’ Bowl and Andy Holt of Real Lancashire Black Puddings, and will be held on Bank Holiday Monday, August 29.
There is a small entry fee, with all money doing directly to East Lancashire Hospice.
Only in Rossendale will you be able to experience such a fun and quirky event.
For further information you can ring Big Jon on 01706 879555, or check the website at www. rosenbowl.co.uk.