| Where: | Ashbourne, Derbyshire in the Market Place |
| When: | A weekend in May, June or July or even August! |
| Time: | 12 noon |
The noble art of toe-wrestling started in the 1970s with the idea that here was a sport in which Britons could excel…then a Canadian won the first competition! As it hasn’t yet been accepted as an Olympic sport, to win the championship is to reach the highest point of the art. Competitors sit on the floor and lock big toes, then attempt to wrestle their opponent’s foot over onto the wooden arena. Local celebrity toe-wrestlers can be expected to put on a good show – the winner is the best of three in heats until the champion is declared. There are classes for male and female contestants and the next generation of junior potential champions get a turn when the adult classes are over. All entrants receive a commemorative award – and even runners-up got a rosette the size of a dinner plate in 2018!
Helpful Hints
All entrants must pass a foot inspection and must be over 18. Entry cost £2 when we went, and money raised is given to charity.
Toe themed food ( as well as the regular menu!) was available at the event when we visited in 2018 and the pub had a large car-park (please note this is a different venue to the current event).
In 2024 it should be on Saturday 31st August at Ashbourne Market Place- it was originally scheduled to be at the Ex-Servicemen’s Club as in 2023.
It was usually in June in the past, though sometimes in May, and now seems to have settled in August. In 2019 it was held on Saturday May 25th and it returned to the Royal Oak at Wetton, where the event began following a number of years at the Bentley Brook Inn at Fenny Bentley.
Click here for the event Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WTWFofficial/
Dear Sir/Madam,
Backed by traditional, family-run wine merchants based in Warwick, Underwood Wines, Underwood & Co is a young upstarting business providing a fully licenced mobile bar, specialising in Pimm’s and gin based cocktails from a renovated Piaggio Ape three-wheeler.
Alongside many returning private events this summer we delighted to be attending the Warwick Folk Festival,Kenilworth Food Festival, Stratford Home and Garden Festival (20,000 people) and St Andrews SU Festival and Stratford October Christmas Fair.
We think this toe wrestling event is great and just the sort of wacky festival we love attending. We would love to be involved this summer in our vintage Pimm’s Piaggio Bar.
I have included the description of our product below, please see attached photos also:
What does Underwood & Co do?
Backed by traditional, family-run wine merchants based in Warwick, Underwood Wines, Underwood & Co is a young upstarting business providing a fully licenced mobile bar, specialising in Pimm’s cocktails.
About
The company’s 50cc Italian Piaggio’s were lovingly restored and brought to life by Underwood Wines. It is now a charming pop-up bar that exudes the relaxed and quirky atmosphere of quintessential British summertime, complete with picket fencing, bunting and garden furniture to relax in. What’s more, Underwood & Co’s staff are always ruthlessly well turned-out in traditional British summer apparel. Underwood & Co and the Pimm’s Piaggio together provide a unique British spectacle (aside from his 50cc Italian motor) suitable for any party or event at a competitive price.
Operating plot 3×4 meters
What we offer
Using James Pimm’s classic fruit cup recipe, Underwood & Co offers a range of delicious summer drinks perfect for any outdoor occasion, public or private, but are also able to operate as a fully stocked bar offering wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks for up to 500 guests.
We even offer our own craft bitter, Old Pie Factory (on request) which has been served for a number of years at a dozen pubs in Warwickshire. Including the Royal Pug Leamington Spa
Underwood & Co provide ice, glassware, professional staff and an excellent standard of service achieved by nearly 130 years devoted to the industry.
Specialties
The Proper Pimm’s
= Measure of Pimm’s No.1, R. Whites Lemonade, dash of angostura bitters, Mint leaf, generous handful of fruit.
Big Boy Bloody Mary
= Tomato Juice, Vodka shot, Lea & Perrins, Celery Salt, Tabasco, Lemon Juice, 1 Stuffed Olive, Garnish of Celery, Cracked Black Pepper
Elderflower Gin & Tonic
If you would like more information about our product or pricing structure please feel free to contact us.
Thank you for your time,
George Underwood
To contact me, call 07917 006699
Visit Underwood&Co.Events on Facebook for more details
Hi George,
You’re through to the calendarcustoms website here, and we’re not connected to the running of the Toe Wrestling event. You need to visit http://bentleybrookinn.co.uk to contact the organisers – best of luck!
Averil
Good evening
Please could you advise hoe I can enter the 2023 championships
Hi Steve,
Competitors usually just register on the day- if you follow the link to https://www.facebook.com/WTWFofficial/ you’ll find out exactly where and when it’s happening in 2023 (the announcements are often made fairly near the time the competition is due to take place, so it might be quite a while before it’s confirmed) and if you have questions about the event you can contact the organisers direct. Hope that helps!
Best wishes,
Averil