The World Black Pudding Throwing Championships will return to Ramsbottom this weekend.

It is a key event in the town’s calendar and attracts thousands of visitors of all ages.

Here is everything you need to know ahead of the festivities on Sunday, September 8.

What is it?

In a nutshell, the aim is to knock as many Yorkshire puddings as possible off a 20ft plinth using black puddings.

There will be a dozen puddings arrange in a pile on the scaffolding. Aunt Bessie’s giant Yorkshire puddings send them for free for the event and according to organisers, they “stand up to the drop better than any others”.

The puddings are from family-run business Chadwicks who trade on Bury Market. The puddings are places in a pair of tights to stop them from disintegrating upon landing.

READ MORE: Oasis ‘Wonderwall’ mural at borough pub wows fans

Bury is famed for its black pudding, which is a blood sausage stuffed with blood, fat and filler like oatmeal.

Former ‘Man V Food’ star Adam Richman visited Bury Market in April to try the delicacy and celebrity chefs, Dave Myers (who died earlier this year) and Si King attended the black pudding competition in 2011.

The event proceeds are donated to charity, and last year entrants came from as far as Japan, Peru, South Africa and Australia. 

Why has it become a tradition?

According to local lore, it allegedly began during the War of the Roses, when those from the House of Lancaster and the House of York were said to have run out of ammunition in battle in 1455 and resorted to throwing food at each other. It was revived again in the 1980s as "a bit of fun" by the Stubbins Community Trust at the now-defunct Corner Pin Pub in Stubbins.

READ MORE: Bury patients star in new video for cancer centre

Contenders must stand on the 'golden grid' to compete (Phil Taylor)Contenders must stand on the 'golden grid' to compete (Image: Phil Taylor)

Things to know

  • Road closures and parking suspensions will be in place from 7am so make sure you check your journey in advance here

  • Contenders must use an underarm lobbing technique, known as "hurling"

  • The golden grid is a small painted block which those taking part must stand on to throw their pudding missiles

  • There are junior and adult plinths available with a £100 cash prize for the adult winner and a £20 prize for the junior winner provided by Chadwicks

  • The entry fee is £2 for three puddings 

  • Last year, the winner of the adult section was decided by a "lob-off" tie breaker following four competitors all knocking off six puddings each 

  • There is a song entitled "Come Chuck Black Pudding" by Rooster Rebellion in collaboration with Rammy Men’s ukulele group

When and where will it take place?

The event will be taking place on Sunday, September 8, with the action kicking off outside The Royal Oak pub on Bridge Street from 11am to 4pm. Many town centre venues are also hosting music events throughout the weekend.