Worm Charming World Championships

The World Worm Charming Championships is an annual event that takes place in the village of Willaston, located in the county of Cheshire in England. The competition involves a technique called worm charming, which is the practice of attracting earthworms from the ground by creating vibrations on the soil's surface.

During the competition, participants are given a small plot of land and a set amount of time, typically 30 minutes, to charm as many worms as possible to the surface. The techniques used by competitors can vary but typically involve using a tool, such as a garden fork or stick, to create vibrations on the ground.

Once the time is up, the worms are counted, and the participant with the highest number of worms is declared the winner. The World Worm Charming Championships attract competitors from around the world, and the event raises money for local charities.

The event is said to have originated in the 1980s when a local teacher, Tom Shufflebotham, wanted to find a way to make science lessons more engaging for his students. The World Worm Charming Championships have since become a beloved tradition in the village of Willaston and a popular attraction for visitors from around the world.