Maria Lindeberg will travel to Belgium to compete in the European gull screeching championships, the sixth edition of the event, which is scheduled for April 26, 2026, at a pub in Adinkerke, Belgium. The competition draws participants from the USA, Australia, New Zealand, and Sweden. It involves imitating gull screeches on stage in front of an audience and jury, with each participant scored up to 100 points—75 for sound and 25 for portrayal of a gull.
The purpose is to improve the image of gulls and create understanding of the relationship between humans and birds, mixing humor and public education. Lindeberg is bringing her 'gull producer' Andre Hasselgren and costume designer Amanda Lebert on the trip. She has learned to sound like a gull and sometimes experiences that they even answer her.
For her, gulls symbolize freedom and the ability to be in the moment. Many people hate gulls, according to Lindeberg. It is not known how many participants are expected or what specific prize is awarded to the winner.
The exact location of the pub in Adinkerke and the detailed criteria for scoring the portrayal of a gull beyond the basic description have not been disclosed.