Stackestead's annual gravy wrestling brought its usual showing of East Lancashire fun as contestants battled it out through a two-minute face-off while soaked in hundreds of litres of gravy.
The Rose n Bowls in Rossendale hosted what has been considered one of the world's weirdest sports on Bank Holiday Monday.
Competitors in fancy dress, ranging from Kevin and Perry to WWE favourite The Undertaker, were on show aiming to raise money for numerous charities.
Hazel Burton, an engineer from Leyland, attended the event for the first time and is certain she will be returning next year.
She said: “It’s dead funny, it's brilliant. I love the rules and the judging being on making people laugh and the silliest costume.
“When we told people we were coming we just said it is a bit of British culture and gravy wrestling is so good.”
He said: “It is nice how the community came together to raise money for charity and in such a niche way. It’s mental!
“I am surprised how many people are here for something so rogue. It doesn’t get much better than this.”
Judged by a panel of four judges, competitors are scored based on their wrestling skills and fancy dress costumes.
Contestants came from all over East Lancashire and beyond, with one participant even travelling from Austria to compete.
Starting in 2008 the event featured in the Guinness Book of World Records in 2019.
Colin Lambert and Denise Tierney are from Stacksteads and have been coming for the last 10 years.
They said: “It is for charity, and we are known all over the world for it. It is one of the best things that has happened round here.
“It is the sense of community and bringing the community together and having a bit of fun and we wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
Entry was £3 per adult and £2 per child with proceeds going to The East Lancashire Hospice, whilst competitors could also raise funds for their chosen charity.
Max Lofthouse was working fitting street lighting next to the pub when he saw the sign and thought it would be a great way to spend his friend's birthday.
He said: “We weren’t sure if it was going to be a scrap or more performative but it’s all for charity and it’s a good day out.”
There was also face painting, bouncy councils and food and drink served all day.
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