BISHOPSTONE, WILTSHIRE – Hundreds of spectators lined the picturesque streets of Bishopstone on Sunday to witness the village’s beloved annual pig racing event, featuring competitors with whimsical names such as Lester Piglet, Spongehog Porkpants, and Piggy Stardust.
The event, which has become a cherished local tradition since its inception in 2012, was hosted by Helen Browning’s The Royal Oak Pub. Pub landlord and event organizer Tim Finney marveled at the event’s growth over the years.
“It’s grown from being a little idea on a blackboard to what we have today, seven or eight hundred people,” Finney remarked. The spectacle has garnered attention from far and wide, with attendees traveling from as far as Canada, adding an international flair to the day described as “Britishly iconic.”
The event serves a dual purpose of entertainment and charity. Each year, it raises between £1,200 and £1,800 for the Prospect Hospice, Swindon and North Wiltshire Deaf Children’s Society, and the parish newsletter.
Finney emphasized the significance of the fundraising aspect, stating, “It’s a great day for the pub; I can’t deny that. But it’s also very handy to raise money for great local causes.”
The stars of the show, 12-week-old pigs from Helen Browning’s farm, are meticulously prepared for their racing debut. A mock course of approximately 150 meters is set up on the farm to acclimate the pigs to the event.
Initially taking 30 minutes to complete the course, the pigs quickly improve their time to 90 seconds, motivated by organic bananas and avocados awaiting them at the finish line.
“The pigs are smart animals and they are completely unfazed,” Finney said, highlighting their adaptability. On race day, 10 competing pigs are adorned with colors and race names by their owners, who purchase the pigs for £50 each.
The event also features a makeshift betting station known as “Piggy Power,” where spectators can place bets on their favored swine.
While the pigs’ pace might disappoint those expecting lightning speed, their leisurely trot is a source of amusement and charm. “They traveled at less than half a mile an hour, and a couple of them were going backward,” Finney humorously noted.
Among the attendees were mother and son Rachel Huntley and Zac Lewis from Wanborough. “We love quirky village events,” Huntley said, describing the day as “bizarre but really lovely to see.”
Lewis, experiencing the event for the first time, was surprised by the pigs’ slow pace but enjoyed the novelty of the spectacle. First-time visitors Tess Buckley and Harmony Jagla, who traveled from Canada, expressed their excitement.
“We’ve never experienced anything like it before,” Buckley said, with Jagla adding that the combination of Pimms and pig racing epitomized an “iconic” British experience.
Throughout the event, a bucket of bananas and vegetables was used to encourage the pigs along the course.
Despite their slow pace, the pigs’ antics provided ample entertainment for the crowd. The day concluded with live music, rounding out a festive atmosphere that left attendees with fond memories and a unique story to tell.
As the sun set over Bishopstone, the village buzzed with the joy of another successful pig racing event, blending community spirit, charitable giving, and a touch of British eccentricity.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
