World Worm Charming Championships is a unique annual event that draws participants of all ages to Willaston County Primary School in Willaston, Cheshire, for a day of charming earthworms out of the ground using various methods and techniques. Scheduled for Saturday, June 22, the championships celebrate their 45th anniversary.
Warm Charming
The highlight of the event is the attempt to break the world record for the most worms charmed within a designated time frame. Participants are allocated three-meter square plots of land where they can employ their chosen techniques to entice the worms to the surface. In 2009, Sophie Smith, 10, managed to charm 567 worms, setting a record.
Strategies and Rules
Methods such as grunting and fiddling are commonly used, with participants employing various strategies to vibrate the ground and coax the worms out. However, it's worth noting that importing worms from outside or digging them up is strictly against the rules, ensuring a level playing field for all competitors.
Prizes and Environmental Awareness
Prizes are awarded for the heaviest single worm and the largest quantity of worms charmed. It's not just about the competition, though; the event also promotes environmental awareness, as all the worms charmed during the competition are released back into the wild afterward.
Plot Allocation and Prices
Plots for those interested in participating are available for registration in advance with the organizers. Traditional plots cost £15, while team plots are priced at £20. The deadline for registration is 5 pm on Friday, June 14, with plots allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Payments must be made via bank transfer to the school, with specific plot numbers allocated randomly.
Origins and Evolution
Originating in 1980, the World Worm Charming Championships were pioneered by John Bailey, the deputy headmaster of Willaston County Primary School. Since then, the village of Willaston has been hosting the championships with strict rules enforced by the International Federation of Charming Worms and Allied Pastimes (IFCWAP). This regulatory body ensures that the competition remains fair and enjoyable for all participants while also promoting other quirky sports and activities. Over the years, the event has grown in popularity, with participants coming from far and wide to showcase their worm-charming skills.
