The World Puddle Jumping Championships, an annual event at Wicksteed Park in Northamptonshire, faces disruption as a mini heatwave brings spring sunshine and above-average temperatures across much of the UK, according to forecasters. Highs of 20°C are forecast on Thursday, with warm weather stretching into the weekend, and some regions expected to be as warm as Ibiza, forecasters said. The unseasonably dry conditions have raised concerns that no rain could stop play at the event, which traditionally relies on natural puddles, organisers said.
Theme park bosses have adapted the rules for the first time in 13 years, allowing competitors to jump into paddling pools instead of puddles. Kelly Richardson, a director at Wicksteed Park, described the decision as necessary due to the mini heatwave, stating that organisers refuse to let no rain stop play and the event will go ahead as usual. She also noted that they had expected March winds and April showers to provide plenty of rain, but the forecast has forced them to think outside the box. Competitors are urged to submit video entries this week, and the winner will be announced at the end of next week, organisers said.
They both love Peppa Pig, and if they see a puddle, they have to jump in it. But with the weather coming up, I don't think there's going to be any puddles anyway, so we might have to do a paddling pool entry. We definitely won't be put off, it's the British way to keep on going whatever the weather, which ironically is usually rain. Willow is mad about Bluey too, so maybe the Australian climate might be a bit more fitting this year anyway. Hopefully Luna can retain her crown, or it's passed down to her little sister this year.
The competition attracts hundreds of children from across the world each year, with thousands of entries over the years, according to organisers. Judges score based on height of jump, enthusiasm, distance of splash, and stickability—the amount of mud clinging to the competitor, organisers said. The event has previously received backing from Jacob Rees-Mogg in the House of Commons, according to reports. Traditionally held during October half-term, it was moved to prevent children from getting too cold, organisers said. In early years, participants competed using man-made puddles in Wicksteed Park, according to organisers.
Zoe Rudd, mother of 2023 winner Luna, described her daughters' enthusiasm for puddle jumping, inspired by Peppa Pig, and noted that with the warm weather, they might have to submit a paddling pool entry. She expressed determination to continue, calling it the British way to keep on going whatever the weather. She also mentioned that her younger daughter Willow might be better suited to an Australian climate given her love of Bluey, but hoped Luna could retain her crown or pass it to her sister.
Several details remain unclear, including how many entries have been received so far this year, the exact date of the winner announcement, and whether paddling pool entries will be judged by the same criteria. The number of previous winners and the age range of competitors have also not been disclosed.