A Wolverhampton man became two-time world champion at the Black Pudding Throwing Championship in Ramsbottom yesterday.
After having previously won the iconic event – which is held annually in Ramsbottom town centre – in 2018, Andrew Ferrier once again clinched the title and was crowned the winner in front of hundreds of spectators.
Mr Ferrier was the first winner since 2019, as the championships were cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions.
If you’re unfamiliar with what the World Black Pudding Throwing Championship actually is, the rather unique and traditionally northern event sees competitors knock over Yorkshire puddings on a 20ft-high plinth with a Bury black pudding.
Participants stand on a golden grid and have three attempts to knock down as many Yorkshire puddings as possible by throwing the black puddings underarm.
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The unique event sees competitors knock over Yorkshire puddings on a 20ft-high plinth with a Bury black pudding / Credit: The Manc Group
Legend has it that the tradition of lobbing black puddings dates back to the War of the Roses and a 1455 battle in Stubbins, between the House of Lancaster and the House of York, where the two sides are said to have run out of ammunition and resorted to throwing food at each other.
The House of Lancaster’s choice of food weapon was black pudding, while the House of York picked Yorkshire puddings from the white rose county.
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The competition was revived in the 1980s, and now sees thousands flock to Ramsbottom to battle it out for the crown.
Previous winners have come from as far away as Turkey and Australia.
After winning this year’s prestigious contest, Mr Ferrier was presented with a Yorkshire pudding crown and a silver trophy.
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The competition sees thousands flock to Ramsbottom to battle it out for the crown / Credit: The Manc Group
Speaking on the successful return of the World Black Pudding Throwing Championship in 2021, event organiser Jim Cunliffe told the MEN: “It was sad to have to cancel it last year, but it’s great it was able to go ahead this year.
“After the year everyone has had, it’s great to see crowds back and people having a good time.
“Due to COVID and travel restrictions, we haven’t got the usual international visitors we get, but we’ve got people coming from around the country.
“Past winners come and join in, it’s just fun and it’s great to see.”
Featured Image – The Manc Group
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BBC needs adventurous Mancs to take part in next series of Race Across the World
Are you a fan of travelling? Got a bit of a competitive streak in your nature? This might just be your calling then.
The BBC is currently casting for the next series of Race Across the World.
The BAFTA-winning hit show is currently airing to thousands of viewers each week, but with the next series now in the works, producers are on the look-out for ‘intrepid duos’ of all ages who reckon they’re ready to take a step into the unknown, and embark on an epic race across land and sea – and that includes Greater Manchester residents.
With applications for the next series of the massively-popular show now open, nomadic Mancs are being encouraged to take part.
On a limited budget and away from the luxuries of modern technology and conveniences, those lucky applicants selected to take part in the next series will get the chance to experience life in some of the world’s most beautiful and remote locations.
BBC is looking for Mancs to take part in next series of Race Across the World / Credit: BBC
Navigating their way across thousands of miles, they’ll travel through spectacular scenery and dynamic cities, visit ancient wonders, learn local customs, and take part in time-honoured traditions.
But, as producers are keen to point out, “the physical journey is only half of the story”.
That’s because, as the contestants take on the challenge of travelling across the world, the greatest thing they’ll discover along the way could actually be about themselves and one another.
Putting out a UK-wide casting call on the BBC website this week, producers Studio Lambert wrote: “We are now accepting applications for the next series of Race Across the World. This experience is open to all, whether you’re a seasoned traveller or total novice.
“We want to hear what undertaking a trip like this would mean to you, and with a cash prize at stake, what lengths you would go to to win.
Applications for the massively-popular show are now open / Credit: BBC
“Maybe you’re looking to change something in your life? Or are keen to share the journey with someone special like a family member, best friend, or someone you’ve lost touch with. You may even have a very personal reason for wanting to travel at this time in your life or explore a particular part of the world.”
Fancy it then?
Applications for the third series of Race Across the World are now open for anyone over 18 years of age, with a deadline date of 6 July 2025, and you can find out more information and apply via the BBC website.
Ex-Manchester United star Patrice Evra has issued a passionate appeal to his old club ahead of the Europa League final, as he reluctantly prepares to miss the game.
Evra, 44, has remained an avid Man United fan even since he left the club back in 2014 and doesn’t miss a game if he can, often lending his punditry services to the likes of Sky Sports of TNT Sports.
However, despite the biggest game of their season coming up this Wednesday, 20 May, the Frenchman has been forced to skip the match due to a recent bereavement.
Nevertheless, Evra has taken time to issue a rallying cry to Ruben Amorim and his Red Devils, urging them to “be United” and “fight” just like his loved one.
As explained in the short video, the retired left-back’s sister recently passed away at just 56 after a long battle with cancer.
Visibly emotional but determined in the clip, Evra starts by sharing his “positive energy” before trying to inject some defiance.
Noting that his sibling fought for her life for more than two decades, he goes on to add, “That’s what I want from you [United players and fans] tomorrow: just fight — bleed for this shirt, for the fans, the staff, for the people of Manchester.”
Stating that there is “no excuse” for failure and that winning their first European trophy in seven years is their “duty”, he called on the team to channel the commitment and dedication of those travelling from all over the world to see them take on Spurs in Bilbao.
As for the former French international himself, he will be making his return to sport only in an entirely different arena, with a combat sports debut coming very soon.
Wait until you see who he called out… To be fair, I think we’d prefer to watch the Evra fight even more than the Europa League final.
While the comments underneath the post are obviously filled with lots of condolences for his loss, lots of supporters are also taking further faith and motivation from his competitive spirit.
It’s a big game for the club and so many across Greater Manchester; you only have to glance at social media to sense the palpable tension. For instance, if you’re a Red, you don’t want to scroll past the video down below.
Go on then – do you think United are going to do it?
Emily Sergeant -
13th September 2021 
