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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Mancs wanted to take part in a new series of the ‘hardest quiz show on TV’
Emily Sergeant
Call yourself a clever clogs? The BBC is currently looking for contestants to take part in what is widely considered the hardest quiz show on TV.
That’s right – Only Connect is back for another series on BBC Two.
Presented by Victoria Coren Mitchell and first broadcast all the way back in 2008, Only Connect takes TV quizzing to the next level, as it sees two teams compete against each other by finding connections between seemingly unrelated clues.
In this quiz show – which viewers have dubbed one of the most challenging there is – knowledge only takes you so far, as the ability to think laterally is also deemed ‘vitally important’.
A casting call for the upcoming 2027 series has been shared on the BBC website, with people from Greater Manchester encouraged to apply.
Mancs wanted to take part in a new series of the ‘hardest quiz show on TV’ / Credit: BBC
The casting call reads: “The popular BBC Two quiz show presented by Victoria Coren Mitchell returns for a new series in 2027.
“Only Connect is seeking teams of three players OR single applicants or teams of two looking for like-minded teammates to pool their combined wits to solve fiendish conundrums and vexing puzzles.
“This is the quiz series where, as in life itself, knowledge will only take you so far: patience and lateral thinking are also vital. It’s all about making connections between things which may appear, at first glance, not to be connected at all.”
Reckon you’ve got what it takes then? Applications are now open, and all applicants must be aged 18 or over and a resident in the UK or Channel Islands.
Massive student night returns to Trafford Centre next month with up to 50% off on big brands
Emily Sergeant
Students can get themselves up to 50% off on food, activities, and loads of big-name brands at the Trafford Centre next month.
With thousands of new and returning students starting to arrive for the new academic year at Greater Manchester‘s universities, one of the region’s biggest student nights will be making a long-awaited comeback for one night only next month – and there’ll be loads of exclusive offers and free entertainment to make the most of across the evening.
Taking over the Trafford Centre in early October, the popular one-off student night is happening in partnership with Student Beans, and gives cash-strapped students the chance to shop a variety of incredible discounts all under one roof.
Just some of the big brands offering big discounts include 25% off at Levi’s and Boux Avenue, 20% off at Gymshark, Hollister and Abercrombie & Fitch, and 15% off at KIKO, Rituals, and Sephora.
It’s not just retail brands you’ll be able to save some pennies on either, as many of the Trafford Centre’s restaurants and cafes will also be offering discounts and freebies on the night too.
Alongside the offers, students can expect plenty of live entertainment and in-store experiences throughout the evening, including a DJ set and drinks at Calvin Klein, in-store fitness challenges and at Gymshark, an exclusive piercing event at Lovisa, and a Beauty Hub takeover at Sephora.
There’ll also be ‘spin-to-win’ opportunities at places like schuh, River Island, and YO! Sushi.
Massive student night returns to Trafford Centre next month with up to 50% off on big brands / Credit: Supplied
“Student Night is one of the highlights of our autumn calendar, and we’re excited to welcome students for an evening of brilliant offers and feel-good experiences,” explained Simon Layton, who is the Centre Director at the Trafford Centre.
“Whether they are updating their wardrobe, stocking up on beauty favourites, grabbing a bite to eat or enjoying the atmosphere with friends, there is plenty to discover across the centre.
“With simple transport links from Manchester city centre and across the region, Trafford Centre is the perfect place for a student night out.”
The Trafford Centre’s Student Night is happening on Thursday 1 October from 6-10pm, and students can now reserve themselves a spot by registering online HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
13th September 2021 
