The 31st Wybunbury Fig Pie Wakes attracted thousands of visitors to the village for a day celebrating local heritage, community spirit and family entertainment, writes Jonathan White.
Organised by the Wybunbury Tower Preservation Trust, the event took place in warm, sunny weather and welcomed residents and visitors from across the region to the village near Nantwich.
The long-running event, which dates back more than 200 years and was revived in 1995, helps support the preservation of Wybunbury’s historic leaning tower.
The central feature is the traditional fig pie rolling competition.
Contestants rolled homemade fig pies, made using a historic recipe, along Main Road from The Swan Inn in an attempt to achieve the longest distance.
Before the competition began, attendees observed a round of applause in memory of Simon Baldwin, who had been closely involved with the Wybunbury Fig Pie Wakes for many years and recently died following a short illness.
Donation buckets were available throughout the day in support of St Luke’s Cheshire Hospice.
The ceremonial first pie roll was carried out by Stitch, the popular fictional character from Disney’s Lilo & Stitch franchise.
The sixth annual inter-schools pie rolling race for the Lewis Crossley Memorial Shield followed.
The competition honours former Wybunbury Delves pupil Lewis Crossley and supports the work of the Team Lewis Trust, which raises funds for research into T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia.
Representatives from Wybunbury Delves, Betley and Bridgemere schools took part, with Scarlett of Wybunbury Delves securing victory and helping her school retain the shield.
In the individual competitions, Raphael won the Year 6 and under category with a roll of 87.5 metres, while Abel claimed first place in the Year 11 and under category with a distance of 93.5 metres.
The adult competition was won by Dean Morris, of Shavington, whose roll of 119.4 metres earned him the 2026 Champion Pie-Roller title and the event trophy.
Throughout the afternoon, visitors were able to climb Wybunbury Tower and enjoy views across the surrounding countryside.
Around the tower, a variety of community stalls, refreshments, a grand raffle and an ice cream van contributed to the festival atmosphere.
Entertainment was provided by the Baker Street Belles, whose live performances took place during the event.
Members of the Imperial Alliance, a volunteer Star Wars costuming group based in the North West, attended in Stormtrooper costume, meeting visitors and collecting donations for St Luke’s Cheshire Hospice.
Refreshments were available at both The Red Lion and The Swan Inn.
The Swan Inn also hosted a display of steam traction engines, vintage trucks, classic European and American vehicles and bicycles.
Among the exhibitors was Tim, who travelled from Llangollen to showcase a collection of Raleigh Chopper and Grifter bicycles.
One of the display highlights was his hand-built “mega Chopper”, described as the largest Chopper-style bicycle in the world.
Constructed over two months at a cost of around £500, the display piece incorporates a variety of recycled and repurposed components, including household and automotive parts.
Tim is also a member of Old Skool Cranks, a group dedicated to the preservation and enjoyment of vintage BMXs, Choppers and Grifters.
Among the visitors attending the Wakes was Clive Jackson, frontman of Doctor and the Medics, the band behind the UK chart-topping hit “Spirit in the Sky”.
Clive will return to Wybunbury on Saturday July 18th when he will host an 80s-themed DJ set at The Swan Inn between 6pm and 10pm. The free outdoor event will feature a marquee, bar and food.
Proceeds from stalls also benefit local charities and community groups.
This year’s sponsors were Massey Feeds, Cheshire Lamont, Davies Osteopaths, Splash Of Paint and T-T Pumps.
(Story and images by Jonathan White)
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