All set for weekend of Bank Holiday fun
WRESTLING tends to conjure up images of powerfully built men but the referee of the annual Gravy Wrestling Championships says it’s the women in the competition he has to watch out for.
Stephen Claxon took over the reins in one of the world’s weirdest sporting competitions from his dad Ken last year and says female competitors present him with the most danger.
But the personal trainer and sports therapist, who has taken part in the annual competition at the Rose ‘n’ Bowl pub in Stacksteads himself, says he will be looking out for any underhand tactics.
He said: “The most dangerous for the referee tend to be the women. They really go for it as they think they can get away with it.
“Holds and throws are ok but things like gouging and drowning are banned – not that people don’t try it though!”
This year’s 10th anniversary event, and the ninth one staged at the Rose ‘n’ Bowl, is expected to draw around 1,200 spectators to watch around 20 men and 10 women go head to head in a pool of gravy for two minutes each to win the title of champion.
Points will also be scored over the six rounds for fancy dress, comedy effect and entertainment value and all funds raised will go to East Lancashire Hospice, with around £20,000 raised over the years.
Stephen, 29, said: “It’s just a crazy, messy and disgusting experience and as a referee it can get pretty cold and uncomfortable standing in gravy for five hours. The competitors don’t hold back either and don’t mind beating me up. The great thing about the event though is you never know what to expect.”
Last year’s champions Joel Hicks – ‘Gandalf the Gravy’, and Nicole Taylor-Lyons – ‘Mad Cow’, will return this year to defend their titles along with new competitors.
Jon Lowe, landlord of the Rose ‘n’ Bowl and a former gravy wrestler himself, said: “It’s a brilliant, wacky day out. I don’t compete anymore though as last time I got leathered by a competitor dressed as a chicken.”
As for the gravy, it is made by Andy Holt from The Real Lancashire Black Pudding Company.
Jon added: “You could say it’s a family recipe.”
The contest starts at 12.30pm on Monday, August 29. There will also be face painting, a shooting range, raffle, bouncy castle and food. Entry is £2 adults and £1 children.