New record confirmed at 2024 World Nettle Eating Championships

The winner of the 2024 World Nettle Eating Championships set a new record, organisers have said.

According to the BBC website, more than 30 people, from as far afield as the United States, took part in the prickly contest at the Dorset Nectar Cider Farm, near Bridport, on Saturday.

Participants eat the nettle leaves from stalks of nettles for half an hour.

After 30 minutes is up, the total lengths of the stalks (stripped of leaves) is counted and the total length of nettle stalks calculated.

The person who eats the longest length of nettles is crowned Nettle King for the mens winner and the Nettle Queen for the womens competitors.

Tom Wheeler, from London, ate the leaves from 116 feet (35.4 metres) of nettle stalks to claim the men’s trophy, beating last year’s tally of 64 feet (19.5 metres).

Defending women’s champion, Wales’ Beth Hodges retained her title, consuming 64 feet (19.5 metres) of nettles – beating her own record of 60 feet (18.3 metres), set in 2023.

Nettle stalks are gathered and cut into 2 feet (61cm) lengths and contestants are given cider, which they can drink or dip the nettles into to moisten them.

Formerly held at a pub in Bridport, which has since closed, the tradition dating back to the 1980s has been taken over by Ryan Strong at the nearby Dorset Nectar Cider Farm in Waytown.

WHAT IS THE WEIRDEST THING YOU HAVE EVER EATEN?

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