On Saturday, the quaint village of Coxheath in Maidstone, Kent, transformed into a hub of laughter and mess as hundreds gathered for the annual World Custard Pie Championships. This uniquely British event, which has been delighting spectators since 1967, saw 27 teams engage in a hilarious battle of custard-filled plates, vying for the prestigious trophy.
A Sticky Tradition
The competition, a beloved fixture on the local calendar, attracted around 1,500 enthusiastic spectators this year. Families and friends lined the sidelines, eager to witness the playful pandemonium unfold. The Old School Ravers emerged victorious, navigating the custard chaos with skill and humour, and claiming their place in the quirky history of the event.
Teams earn points based on their accuracy—six points for a direct hit to the face, three for a strike to the shoulders or above, and one for any hit below that. As the pies flew through the air, the atmosphere was electric, filled with laughter and the occasional squeal of surprise as contestants faced a pie to the face.
Fun for Everyone
Event organiser and presenter Geoff Cooke described the day as a “great day” filled with “really good fun.” He noted the community spirit that permeated the event, as families staked their spots early, making a day of it. “It’s a family fun day. People come here quite early and claim a pitch and stay there all day,” he shared, highlighting the event’s role in bringing the community together.
Originally conceived as a fundraiser for the village hall, the championships now also support local charities, ensuring that the spirit of giving remains at the heart of this delightful spectacle.
The Secret to Success
While the custard pie mixture remains a closely guarded secret—known only to a select few—Cooke shed some light on its composition. “They contain flour and water, but consistency is key. Highly skilled operatives mix the custard for us,” he explained, adding an air of mystery to the beloved recipe. The secret blend is clearly effective, as each year, the event continues to draw larger crowds, eager to experience the joy of custard pie throwing.
As the dust—and custard—settled, attendees left with smiles, already anticipating the next championship scheduled for June 12, 2027, when the village will once again host this delightful spectacle.
Why it Matters
Events like the World Custard Pie Championships remind us of the importance of community and tradition in our fast-paced modern lives. They provide a space for laughter, connection, and shared experiences, bringing together people from all walks of life to celebrate creativity and fun. In a world often filled with serious challenges, these moments of joy and camaraderie serve as a vital reminder of the power of community spirit and the simple pleasure of letting loose in a playful environment.
