Gravy Wrestling Championship bosses looking for gladiators as curiosity dries up
World Gravy Wrestling Championships bosses have put a plea out for Bisto-loving Hulk Hogan types to compete in the event.
The drought of gravy gladiators weeks before the sixteenth run of the annual event has left organisers scratching their heads. One of the contest’s bosses Andy Holt has issued a desperate appeal for beefcakes to roll around in meat juice.
Andy said: “It is not about serious wrestling – it is just about having fun.” He added: “We are struggling a bit for competitors this year for some strange reason.
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“The judges are marking on entertainment value more than anything. It is a great community day.”
![World Gravy Wrestling Championships](https://i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk/incoming/article33292199.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/1_280823gravy26.jpg)
(Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News)
The tournament is set to be held on August 26 at the Rose ’N’ Bowl Pub in Stacksteads, Rossendale, Lancashire. It raises cash for the East Lancashire Hospice, with participants wrestling in fancy dress in a pool filled with of gravy.
Their two-minute bouts have attracted hundreds of spectators in the past. The 15th WGWCs were also hosted at the Rose ’N’ Bowl, with 16 male and eight female contestants facing off while swamped in savoury sauce.
Along with crowd-pleasing antics, judges awarded points for the quality of fancy dress and “comedy effect”. A referee will be on hand to ensure a fair fight, with hundreds of litres of gravy poured into the pool throughout the day.
Competitors battle it out in up to four matches for men and three for women to make it to the final.
![World Gravy Wrestling Championships](https://i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk/incoming/article33292200.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_280823gravy13.jpg)
(Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News)
Victors take home the WGWC trophy and a £50 cash prize they can keep or give to charity. Winners get their name engraved on the gong, which they get to keep for a year.
Bosses warn wrestlers “all contestants must wear fancy dress”. They added: “In previous years we have been let down by people entering and then not turning up on the day.
“This makes it very difficult to organise the event. We ask for a £10 refundable deposit to try to deter this.
“Serious aggressiveness, roughness or unsportsmanlike conduct will result in disqualification. Anyone who appears to be under the influence of alcohol will also be disqualified.
“Also please remember that it is a family day with children in attendance so lewd behaviour is not permitted.”
![World Gravy Wrestling Championships](https://i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk/incoming/article33292204.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_280823gravy24.jpg)
(Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News)
The WGWC website says: “Showering facilities will be provided. Don’t forget to bring along towels and a change of clothes. You’ll need them.”
Firefighters are on hand to hose off competitors, with adults’ tickets £3 and kids’ £2.
Previous years have seen children hop in the ring to frolic in the gravy during breaks from wrestling, but it was banned due to insurance issues.
Celebrity entrants in previous years have included Two Pints Of Lager And A Packet Of Crisps actor Will Mellor, 48, and 46-year-old comic Romesh Ranganathan.