For one of the most peaceful yet utterly strange competitions in England, look no further than the World Worm Charming Championships in Willaston, Cheshire. Competitors stake out a 3×3 meter plot of grass and use magic, music, and sheer persistence to charm as many earthworms as possible to the surface in 30 minutes. No digging allowed just vibration, sound, and creativity!
The Rules of Worm Charming
Each “charmer” gets a plot in the school field. Tools are limited to garden implements (like forks for tapping), music makers, and potions (water, washing-up liquid, etc.). The goal: lure worms up voluntarily. The winner is whoever collects the most live worms past records top 500+!
Teams and individuals compete, with kids’ categories adding extra cuteness. All worms are released back into the soil afterward.
A Tradition Born from Pure British Whimsy
It began in 1980 when two locals bet they could charm worms better than each other. Word spread, and now it’s an annual event with hundreds of participants and spectators. It’s all about community fun, with music, stalls, and a carnival vibe.
Cheshire locals still hold many records, making this a proud piece of English eccentricity!
What Makes It So Delightfully Odd
Imagine hundreds of people humming, dancing, playing instruments, or tapping rhythms to “call” worms. Some use yodeling, others play the bagpipes anything goes! The worms rise due to vibrations mimicking rain or predators.
It’s wholesome, eco-friendly, and hilariously low-stakes perfect family entertainment.
Planning Your Visit to Worm Charming Glory
Held every June at Willaston Primary School. Free to watch, small fee to enter. Combine it with a trip to nearby Chester or the Wirral for a quirky UK getaway!
This worm-whispering wonder shows England’s genius for turning the mundane into magic. Ever tried charming worms? Tell me in the comments!
