New research suggests that Dorset is home to ‘some of the South West’s weirdest events.’
The UK is home to a fascinating array of weird and wonderful sporting pursuits and South Western Railway has compiled a list of the most ‘extraordinary’ sporting events in the UK and South West.
Some of the ‘top sporting oddities in the South West’ included the World Nettle Eating Championships in Bridport and Knob Throwing in Dorchester.
Nettle eating
The world Nettle Eating competition which was founded in the 1980s has seen a 200 per cent search increase in the past quarter.
The event is held annually at Dorset Nectar Cider Farm at Waytown with participants competing to consume the most stinging nettle leaves within an hour.
At the end of the hour, the total length of nettle stalks is measured, and the title of King or Queen of Nettles goes to the competitor who eats the longest length of nettles.
Knob throwing
Also ranking in the list of the top sporting oddities was of course Knob Throwing.
The ‘Dorset Knob is a hard, dry, savoury biscuit with the texture of stale bread.
For more than 150 years, the Moores family has been making these spherical biscuits in Dorset, and now they celebrate annually with the Knob Throwing Games at the Dorset Knob Festival in Cattistock.
Participants compete to throw these crunchy treats as far as possible across a field, underarm. The person who throws the knob the furthest wins.
Worm charming
Ranking at the top of the list however was Worm Charming which saw a 631 per cent search increase in the past quarter
It is popular across Devon and Falmouth and sees participants use vibrations to coax worms to the surface of a 3m-by-3m plot of land in 30 minutes.
Awards are presented for the most worms charmed, the most inventive worm charming technique, and the longest worm.
The Tar Barrels of Ottery St. Mary, East Devon which takes place on November 5, sees villagers racing blazing barrels of tar through its narrow streets.
Tar barrels
The Tar Barrels of Ottery St. Mary have a centuries-old tradition, believed to have begun following the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605, though its exact origins remain uncertain. The Tar Barrell carnival also includes a Guy Fawkes bonfire, a small fairground, and stalls selling festive food and warming drinks.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here