World Puddle Jumping Championships at risk of heatwave drying up competition
This year's World Puddle Jumping Championships is under threat due to the upcoming U.K. mini heatwave - because there won't be any puddles to jump in.
Organizers are concerned no rain could stop play at the quirky annual event at Wicksteed Park in Northamptonshire, England as April showers look to be replaced by higher temperatures this week.
The forecast has prompted theme park bosses to change the rules for the first time in 13 years, allowing competitors to jump into paddling pools instead.
Each year, hundreds of children from across the world enter the competition - which has previously received unlikely backing from Jacob Rees-Mogg in the House of Commons.
Children are urged to channel their inner Peppa Pig - and judges give scores based on the height of the jump, enthusiasm, distance of splash and stickability - the amount of mud which clings to each competitor.
But with a lack of muddy puddles this year, organizers have had to think outside the box in order to allow the competition to continue.
Wicksteed Park director Kelly Richardson said: "Because of the mini heatwave which is due we've had to think outside the box and allow paddling pool entries this year - we refuse to let no rain stop play and the event will go ahead as usual."
Zoe Rudd, 31, is the mom of 2023 winner Luna and is re-entering Luna, now 7, as well as her 2-year-old sister Willow this year.
She 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."
Competitors are being urged to submit video entries this week and the winner of the World Puddle Jumping Championships will be announced at the end of next week.
The event has attracted thousands of entries over the years, with previous winners including a 9-year-old girl from Kettering, Northants., England and a 3-year-old boy from Monmouthshire in Wales - with entries coming from as far away as Australia.
Last year, three toddlers from the same family were crowned joint world champions after their entry left them covered head to toe in mud.
Competitors can submit their video entries by posting them in the comments on the Puddle Jumping posts on the Wicksteed Park Facebook page.
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This story was originally published April 22, 2026 at 9:27 AM.