NativeUK Logo NATIVEUK.COM LESSONS
September 18th • Food & Rivalry

World Black Pudding Throwing Championship

Held annually in Ramsbottom, UK, this competition dates back to the War of the Roses in the 15th century. Legend has it that when the armies of Lancashire and Yorkshire ran out of ammunition, they started throwing food at each other. Today, competitors hurl traditional black puddings (blood sausages) at stacks of Yorkshire puddings on a high wooden plinth. Today, we debate the psychology of food fights, the importance of regional identity, and why we love to turn our meals into a sport.

A person throwing a traditional food item

Speaking Discussion

  • What is your initial reaction to the idea of throwing blood sausages at puddings? Does it seem like a waste of food, or a bit of harmless fun?
  • Why do you think regional rivalries (like the one between Lancashire and Yorkshire) last for hundreds of years?
  • In your culture, is there a specific food that is considered a national symbol? What would happen if people started throwing it as a sport?
  • Do you think that bizarre traditions help to keep small, rural towns alive by attracting tourists?
  • How does a silly competition like this help to build a sense of community pride?
  • If you were an athlete in a food throwing Olympics, which food would be your specialty?

Activity 1: The food sport Event Planner

The Task: You are a Sports Promoter. You want to create a new food throwing championship in your own city.

What is the food, and what are the rules?

Activity 2: Rapid Fire Sentences

Complete the sentence and justify it in 20 seconds.

  • "The weirdest food I have ever tried is..."
  • "I think local rivalries are..."
  • "In my opinion, traditional foods are..."