A world-famous quirky competition is returning to west Dorset this weekend.
Brave souls are set to come together on Saturday, June 22 for the annual World Nettle Eating Contest.
Competitors will try to munch their way through as many nettles as they can in half an hour, cheered on by a supportive, cider-swigging crowd.
The unique event is returning to the Dorset Nectar cider farm in Waytown near Bridport with some confirmed contestants traveling from London and Wales to compete for the titles of Nettle Queen and Nettle King. The fun starts at 3pm.
It was first started at the Bottle Inn in Marshwood as part of a charity beer festival and attracted world-wide attention.
Dorset Nectar has hosted the contest for the past few years, stepping in to save the much-loved contest when the Bottle Inn closed.
Last year's Nettle Queen Bethan Hodges ate a mind boggling 76ft of stinging nettle leaves in 30 minutes.
The champion will be returning in a bid to defend her crown and winners’ cup.
Nettle King Chris Ullman, who was raising money for a cancer charity, ate an astonishing 64ft of nettle in 30 minutes.
The freshly cut and measured stinging nettles are cut to 2ft lengths and competitors then eat the leaves from them. The leaf cleared stems are counted when the time is up.
Some people fold the nettle leaves before munching them, whilst others complete it as a mind over matter exercise eating the leaves as quickly as possible.
Free cider is available for contestants on behalf of Dorset Nectar.
There will also be a great selection of live music on the day from Around Corners and the Skalatans.
Bridport’s Tortilla Cantina will be serving Mexican food, whilst Oliver's Kitchen will be serving applewood smoked pulled pork baps and cider sausage buns.
Bridport Town Crier John Collingwood will be opening the event, whilst storyteller and author Martin Maudesley will be the host.
Organisers are encouraging people to 'take part in what is easily one of the Britain's, most peculiar and outrageous events.'
All those interesting in eating nettles on the day for fun are encouraged to participate for as long as they feel comfortable.
If you would like to get involved, contact the team at Dorset Nectar Cider: https://dorsetnectar.co.uk/, or register your interest on the day.
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