A legendary Ramsbottom event may be back on the cards after an update from its founders.
The World Black Pudding Throwing Championships has been a regular annual tradition since 1984 and was set to be held on Bridge Street this September.
It was cancelled last month due to “administrative challenges” and the sudden death of lead organiser Phil Taylor, 73, from Stubbins earlier this year.
More than 1,000 people attended last year, where competitors paid £2 for three Bury black pudding missiles to be thrown at a pile of Yorkshire pudding balanced on a 20ft plinth.
The competition is taken seriously, with Tony Sinacola of Chadwicks Black Puddings on Bury Market testing that they are within the correct weight and size criteria.
They are then stuffed into a stocking to stop them from disintegrating upon landing.
Those taking part must stand on a small painted block named the golden grid to throw their puddings and all proceeds are donated to charity.
The Yorkshire puddings are provided by Aunt Bessie’s and according to organisers, they “stand up to the drop better than any others”.
A statement shared on social media by Jonny Nice, admin for the official World Black Pudding Throwing Championships Facebook group, has given fresh hope that the event maybe set to go ahead this year after all.
Although Jonny shared that “no promises” could be made, he did say that the planning team “might have found a way through the impasse”.
Depending on “further important administrative processes and council approval” the black pudding championships look likely to go ahead in Ramsbottom as initially planned on Sunday, September 14.
Pudfest, the music festival which has taken place alongside the competition for the past 22 years, will be postponed until next year but an alternative event will be held behind the Oaks pub on Bridge Street.
The full statement issued by Stubbins Village Community Trust (SVCT) read: “Attention all Pudding Folk!
“We recently posted to inform you that this year's Official World Black Pudding Throwing Championships (WBPTC) event was postponed due to administrative challenges.
“We are happy to let you know that, following great support from local residents and businesses, it seems that we might have found a way through the impasse.
“The existing team of Stubbins Village Community Trust (SVCT) organisers is now hoping that the event can go ahead after all.
“It is still dependent on further important administrative processes and Council approval, so no promises... but get ready to swaddle those puddings!
“Huge thanks to Jan at The Old Bank for his help getting things moving again and bringing his team on board to support delivery of the event.
“So subject to required approvals - Same date, same time, same place!
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“Second Sunday in September, 14th, Bridge St Ramsbottom 11am - 4pm. Keep your Pudding chucking fingers crossed. Watch this space!
“The WBPTC affiliated Pudfest, Ramsbottom's longest running music festival also organised by SVCT over the last 22 years, will however remain postponed until 2026.
“An alternative music event is being planned for the day to take place in the Memories Courtyard (to the rear of the Oaks). We wish Dayna, who has taken this on, all the best of luck and would ask that local residents show their support for keeping music live in our community.
“Stubbins Village Community Trust
Lee, Chris and Jon”
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