Corby: Porridge-eating contest held in England’s mini Scotland

The world porridge-eating championship – famous for its mention by the Apollo 11 astronauts – is making a comeback at this weekend’s Highland Gathering… in Corby.

The two-day event, featuring pipe bands and Scottish dancing, has been running in the heart of England since 1968, during a time when thousands of Scots were arriving for employment in the steelworks in Northamptonshire.

Mission control famously told the space crew the outcome of the Corby championship in 1969 – a victory for John Coyle from Ireland, who consumed 23 bowls in 10 minutes.

However, this year participants will be measured on who can eat “two bowls of porridge the quickest”, organiser Mark Pengelly said.