This blog sees us back in Wetton for the Toe Wrestling Festival! Yes, you read that correctly - toe wrestling. Surprisingly enough, the reaction from most people has been disbelief, laughter and downright curiosity. Prepare yourself for a guide to all things toe and foot related.
The Toe Wrestling Festival is not a new thing. The Royal Oak at Wetton had been the proud host of this event for several years. But like many local events, it grew to epic proportions and it was decided that the village simply couldn't cope. Enter Dom's friend Ian, the new landlord of The Royal Oak, who decided to bring back this quirky but undeniably fun festival.
We arrived as a group of six campers on the Friday night, enjoyed some fine ale and wine and took ourselves off to bed in preparation for the big event. In typical English summer style, the day dawned sunny, then cloudy, then hot, then cool. The bunting was erected, the marquee prepared with tables, mini-bar and kegs and the public started to arrive.
As my back is notoriously bad, I was the only one from our party who didn't enter the actual event. However, I did get a ring side seat and photographic evidence.
First everyone's feet had to be examined by a chiropodist to make sure they were fit to take part (it's serious stuff!)
Being seen by the chiropodist before us was a well built, muscular, bearded man draped with a Union Jack Flag. On the side of his right foot was a tattoo baring the words "Unleash the beast". It was pretty apparent that here was the Current World Record holder.
As the men were called into the marquee, my poor other half Dom heard his name called out against none other than the beast himself. Locking big toes on the right foot and raising their left foot, the battle to force their opponent's right foot to the side began. It's fair to say, the round didn't take long! The event was then repeated on the left foot. Suffice to say, Dom did not come home with the flag. The Current World Record holder retained his Wetton title although the final between himself and a local musician was hard core and frantic.
The girls in our group faired no better being paired against previous winners of the female title. Not surprisingly, the women's final was between said previous winners. In a game that surpassed the men's for excitement and grit, the final was eventually decided. The runner up left the field with a hobble! Toe Wrestling is not for the weak!
Buttercup's second trip to Wetton was just as eventful but for a very different reason. I can't help but wonder what will happen next time we come...
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