Following a one-year hiatus, the black pudding throwing contest returned to the streets of Bury this Sunday. Hundreds of spectators gathered in Greater Manchester to watch the quirky competition unfold.
A legacy stretching back to the Wars of the Roses
The World Black Pudding Throwing Championships are deeply rooted in the historical folklore of the region. According to the source, the tradition is said to have originated in 1455 during the Wars of the Roses, specificlly following a clash between the Houses of Lancaster and York in nearby Stubbins .
While the event has grown into a major local attraction over its 35-year history, it maintains its unique character. As the report notes , the competition involves contestants attempting to knock Yorkshire puddings off a tiered tower by hurling black puddings at them.. The winner of the contest receives a £100 prize, a trophy, and the official title of World Black Pudding Throwing Champion.
The PETA debate over pork and vegan alternatives
The 2024 edition of the championships faced scrutiny from the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) regarding the use of meat products. The foundation expressed concerns that using the "blood and fat" of pigs for entertainment is poor practice and has called for the inclusion of vegan alternatives.
Organizer Paul Jenkins responded to these concerns by stating that while vegan options are already available to participants, they will not be made compulsory. This leaves a significant question for the future of the event: will the organizers eventually feel pressured to create a dedicated vegan category to satisfy animal rights advocates, or will the traditional pork-based format remain the primary focus?
Supporting Bury Hospice and the Ramsbottom Pantry
The festivities in Bury serve a philanthropic purpose beyond the local entertainment value. All proceeds generated from the event—including raffle tickets, competition entries, and market stalls—are pledged to local charitable organizations.
Specifically, the funds are designated for the Bury Hospice and the Ramsbottom Pantry, a food bank that provides essential services to the surrounding region. This charitable component has helped the event evolve from a simple local pub gathering into a significant community driver that benefits multiple local institutions.
Jacob Vahey’s 365 Sports Challenge brings national interest
The competition attracted participants from outside the immediate area, adding a broader sporting dimension to the day. Jacob Vahey,an athlete based in Hull, traveled to Bury to include the black pudding toss as part of his "365 Sports Challenge."
Vahey is currently undertaking an annual year-long endeavor to complete a different sporting activity every single day. His participation in the Bury championships was specifically aimed at raising funds for the mental-health charity Campaign Against Living Miserably, highlighting how local traditions can intersect with national charitable goals.
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