Hundreds flock to Kent village to watch chaotic World Custard Pie Championships

Hundreds flock to Kent village to watch chaotic World Custard Pie Championships The World Custard Pie Championships take place once a year, with fans gathering to watch the messy spectacle - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Hundreds of spectators descended upon Coxheath Village Hall in Maidstone, Kent, on Saturday to witness the messy, yet highly competitive, World Custard Pie Championships. The annual event, which first began in 1967, saw 27 teams battle it out for the coveted trophy. This year, victory went to The Old School Ravers, who emerged triumphant from the custard-flinging chaos. Contestants earn points by launching paper plates filled with a special custard pie mixture at their opponents. A direct hit to the face secures six points, while a strike to the shoulders or above earns three. Anything below that registers a single point. Geoff Cooke, one of the event organisers and presenter, described it as a "great day" and "really good fun." He added: "It is a family fun day. People come here quite early and stake a claim to a pitch and stay there all day." An estimated 1,500 people attended the unique spectacle. The championships originally started as a fundraiser for the village hall, with proceeds now benefiting local charities. Mr Cooke also revealed that the recipe for the infamous pies remains a "closely guarded secret." He explained: "They contain flour and water but consistency is key. Highly skilled operatives mix the custard for us." Fans of the peculiar competition will have to wait another year for the next championships, which is scheduled for June 12, 2027. Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments