Thousands of people braved the elements to enjoy the 30th annual Wybunbury Fig Pie Wakes event, writes Jonathan White.
Organised by the Wybunbury Tower Preservation Trust, the historical event proved another huge hit for visitors to the village near Nantwich.
Dating back over two centuries, the Fig Pie Wakes was brought back to life in 1995 to support the preservation of Wybunbury’s iconic leaning tower.
It features a traditional fig pie rolling competition, where contestants rolled homemade pies – crafted from a historic recipe – down Main Road from The Swan Inn, testing their skill to see how far their pies could travel.
The event welcomed Daz Pulfrey, a Wybunbury resident, as this year’s new compere.
With his lively commentary he brought great energy to the day, supporting the children’s races and keeping the adult competitions full of good-natured banter.
Daz also announced the winners and led the community in celebrating their achievements.
The honour of rolling the first fig pie was given to Sonic the Hedgehog.
One of the highlights of the day was the 5th annual inter-schools pie rolling race for the Lewis Crossley Memorial Shield, named in honour of Lewis, a former Wybunbury Delves pupil who bravely battled T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia.
The race celebrates his memory and supports the work of the Team Lewis Trust, which raises vital funds for research into this rare form of leukaemia.
This year, Will from Wybunbury Delves rolled the furthest to bring the Shield home.
Freddie won the Year 6 & under category with a fantastic roll of 48.7 metres.
Ralph, a student from Brine Leas School, triumphed in the Year 11 & under group with an impressive 55.9 metres.
In the adult category, Andy Sweeney from Shavington claimed the “Champion Pie-roller” title for 2025 with a stunning roll of 91.6 metres, taking home the coveted trophy.
While the planned Battle of Britain Memorial Flight flypast was cancelled due to the weather, the rain held off with only overcast clouds, and the sun even made a welcome appearance.
Visitors also enjoyed panoramic views from the historic Wybunbury Tower, which was open to the public throughout the day.
Around the tower, the village buzzed with activity from the grand raffle and community stalls to refreshments and a children’s climbing wall.
The Baker Street Belles provided entertainment with live singing.
The Swan Inn hosted a display of steam traction engines, vintage trucks, and classic European and American cars, while The Red Lion offered live music and refreshments to keep spirits high.
Local videographer and photographer Adam Capper captured the festivities.
The main event sponsors were Cheshire Lamont, Davies Osteopaths – Cheshire, Splash Of Paint, and TT Pumps Ltd.
(Images courtesy of Jonathan White)
Thanks once againJonathan for your great photos!!