The 2024 World Nettle Eating Championships took place at the Dorset Nectar Cider Farm near Bridport, where more than 30 participants from around the world competed in the prickly contest.
This year’s championships were won by Tom Wheeler from London, who claimed the men’s trophy by consuming the leaves from 116ft (35.4m) of nettle stalks, surpassing last year’s record. Defending women’s champion Beth Hodges retained her title by eating 64ft (19.5m) of nettles, beating her own previous record.
Ms. Hodges, who traveled from Wales, was happy to win again despite the pain in her hands caused by the stinging nettles. She mentioned that her voice had deepened and her tongue changed color due to the competition. This year, contestants found the dryness and chewing of the nettles challenging.
The championships were formerly held at the Bottle Inn at Marshwood but have now been taken over by Ryan Strong at the Dorset Nectar Cider Farm. Nettle stalks are cut into 2ft (61cm) lengths, and contestants can dip them in cider to moisten them before consumption. The competition was opened by Bridport Town Crier John Collingwood.
