More than 70 competitors descended upon a Belgian seaside pub yesterday for the sixth annual European seagull screeching championship, an unusual contest dedicated to replicating the coastal bird's piercing cry.
The event, held in the town of De Panne on Sunday, attracted participants from 15 different nations, all vying to produce the most convincing imitation of the seagull's distinctive shriek.
This quirky competition has established itself as a beloved tradition in the coastal community, drawing enthusiasts from across the continent to demonstrate their avian vocal talents in what has become one of Europe's more eccentric annual gatherings.
The gathering attracted a diverse crowd, with families bringing their children along and many attendees donning seagull-themed outfits for the occasion. Every screech performed drew enthusiastic applause from spectators packed into the venue.
A panel of judges assessed each performance using a 20-point system, allocating 15 points for vocal accuracy and five for behavioural authenticity.
Among those taking part was Carine Gronholz, a 41-year-old Norwegian competitor who embraced the event's playful spirit. "I was like, OK, I'm not going to be boring or do only grownup things now, I'll do this competition," she said.
Beyond the entertainment value, the championship serves a deeper purpose: rehabilitating the reputation of seagulls, birds frequently regarded by the public as nuisances.
Event organiser Claude Willaert urged attendees to reconsider their views of the coastal creatures. "Be positive about seagulls," he said. "They belong to the sea."
Those who triumphed in the various categories walked away without any monetary reward. Instead, victors earned only the satisfaction of being crowned Europe's finest seagull impersonators, with bragging rights serving as the sole prize for their screeching prowess.
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