Olney Pancake Race
The ladies of Olney in Buckinghamshire traditionally mark Shrove Tuesday by running through the town while tossing pancakes into the air. The Olney Pancake Race dates back to 1445, and participants must have lived in Olney for at least three months to compete. A Shriving Service follows the race, which includes a prize giving to all runners.
When? 4 March 2025
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World Pea Shooting Championship
The World Pea Shooting Championship sees competitors go head-to-head trying to hit a set of targets with maple peas. Innovative peashooters are welcome, with past winners using laser sights in addition to their 30cm long blowpipes. If you want to enter you’ll need to hit the target – comprised of three circles of putty – from 3.5 metres away, and if you’re a top scorer you’ll progress to the championship. In addition to pea shooting, the event in Witcham, Cambridgeshire, has a number of animal experiences, novelty games and other stalls for those of all ages to enjoy.
When? 12 July 2025
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World Snail Championships
Ready, steady, slow! The World Snail Racing Championships usually involve around 200 snails and are part of the Congham Fete, near King’s Lynn, in Norfolk. The region is an ideal breeding ground for snails and has hosted snail racing for more than 25 years. Entrants creep over a 13-inch course in the fastest time possible, with a Snail Trainer to the World Championships watching over proceedings to ensure fair play all round. Find yourself a snail to participate, or just watch on as the molluscs slide off in search of glory.
When? 19 July 2025
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