In their new book, Wacky Nation, James Bamber and Sally Raynes whittled their experiences at Britain's most bizarre sporting events down to a top 50.

With a strongly practical, get-involved-if-you-dare streak, the book charts the oddest contests around, with ratings for Spectator Fun, Pain Factor, Training Required, Chance of Becoming World Champion and more.

There are tips on winning or simply remaining unscathed, based on the intrepid authors’ own experiences. Wacky Nation is both the potential start of some oddly British family fun and an armchair view onto the twisted world of bizarre British life.

Here's the authors' rundown of their wackiest events.

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10. WORLD’S BIGGEST LIAR CHAMPIONSHIP

Boasting England’s deepest lake, smallest church and highest mountain within its reaches, one more notable feat is annually celebrated in Santon Bridge, if you believe what you hear; the World’s Biggest Liar. With a first prize of £100,000 and a lifetime supply of beer, entrants have between two and five minutes to convince a panel of judges that their lie sounds the most credible. The contest bans lawyers and politicians, but only if you own up, and if you think you have what it takes, make sure the chosen topic has local interest.

Swipes at the nearby nuclear power plant prove very poplar as do tales involving flatulent sheep, giant cod and mermaid farms. The contest in superlative fibbing began in honour of former publican, Will Ritson, who revelled in spinning yarns to the tweed-wearing climbers back in the 19th Century. Entry into the contest also includes a serving of the local delicacy, Tatty hot…just don’t ask what’s in it, you won’t receive a straight answer.

Location: Bridge Inn, Santon Village, Cumbria
Date: Thursday evening in late November
Further Information: www.santonbridgeinn.com

9. WORLD GURNING CHAMPIONSHIPS

The flip side to Miss World, where competitors work their way through a repertoire of extreme face pulling, contorting their everyday look into the grotesque, in the hope of impressing the panel of judges. Those naturally ugly should not bother turning up, it’s about transforming the face from the mundane to the monstrous, but don’t expect to garner cheers with a quick puff of the cheeks and going cross-eyed, a tactic for beginners only.

Grunting and performing ape like postures score extra points, which should hand the advantage over to male competitors. One former champion even removed some of his teeth to guarantee victory, but such radical steps are not encouraged nowadays. Gurning is not exclusively for the adults, with an earlier contest for children to show off their uglier side. To practice for the 2009 contest, take a bite out of a bitter apple, stand in front of a cheap mirror and gurn away!

Location: Market Hall, Egremont, Cumbria
Date: Saturday 19th September 2009
Further information: www.egremontcrabfair.org.uk

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