The Belgian coastal town of De Panne once again played host to the annual European seagull screeching championship, with more than 70 contestants from 15 countries gathering to perfect their imitation of the bird's distinctive shriek. The sixth edition of the quirky contest took place in a local pub, attracting a diverse crowd including families and seasoned competitors, many dressed in seagull-themed costumes.
Judges awarded up to 15 points for the fidelity of the seagull sound and an additional five points for stage presence. The event aims to improve the public image of seagulls, often seen as a nuisance. Organiser Claude Willaert said: 'When you are on holiday, you always remember the waves of the sea and the calls of the seagulls. So be positive about them.'
In 2024, the winner was Cooper, a young boy from Chesterfield, Derbyshire, who discovered his talent after being bitten by a seagull while eating a tuna sandwich. A Spiderman fan, he concluded the bite would enable him to become 'Seagull Boy', much like Peter Parker became a superhero after a spider bite.
Cooper's mother admitted his squawk took some getting used to, but the family supported him because of his undeniable talent. 'People would start to turn around and look for the seagull,' she said.
