Hundreds of spectators gathered on Saturday to watch teams compete for the title at the World Custard Pie Championships, an annual event that has been running since 1967. The competition took place at Coxheath Village Hall in Maidstone, Kent, drawing a crowd of approximately 1,500 people.
How the Competition Works
Contestants earn points by throwing paper plates loaded with a custard pie mixture at their opponents. A direct hit to the face scores six points, a hit to the shoulders and above earns three points, and hits below the shoulders are worth one point.
This year, 27 teams, each consisting of four members, participated in the event. The Old School Ravers emerged as the winners, taking home the coveted World Custard Pie Championships trophy.
A Family Fun Day
Geoff Cooke, a member of the organizing team, described the event as a "great day" and "really good fun." He told the Press Association: "It is a family fun day. People come here quite early and stake a claim to a pitch and stay there all day."
The championships were originally started as a fundraiser for the village hall, and the money raised is now donated to local charities.
The Secret Recipe
Mr. Cooke, who also presents the event, revealed that the recipe for the pies is a "closely guarded secret." He explained: "They contain flour and water but consistency is key. Highly skilled operatives mix the custard for us."
The next edition of the World Custard Pie Championships is scheduled to take place on June 12, 2027.
