An anticipated highlight at the annual Alresford Watercress Festival (this year on Sunday 17 May) is the World Watercress Eating Championship. 58-year-old Glenn Walsh has reigned supreme for the last 17 years. Born and bred in Bishops Sutton and still living in the Alresford area, there has to be something in the water (or should that be watercress) to explain his success.
The self-employed fencer has always attended the annual festival that celebrates the official start of the UK watercress season. “It’s amazing for Alresford”, he says, “bringing thousands of new people to the town and it’s always great fun for us who live here. Each year I question whether I’ll take part in the eating competition as I dread it and don’t actually like watercress much, but then my competitive nature and the pressure take over.”
Glenn remembers when the competition first began, the idea was to eat as much watercress as possible in a given time, which, he says, ‘wasn’t pretty’. Now, aided by a bottle of water (essential, Glenn says) the rules are simple – eat an 80g bag of watercress in the fastest time.
Other key attributes to being a champion, according to Glenn, are big hands, a big mouth and a very competitive nature. He does little preparation before the big day, but limbers up with a Guinness or two immediately before and after!
There is an art to eating watercress at speed; however, the stalks, in particular, can be a problem, sticking in the throat, which is why the water is so important. Glenn says he laughs when he hears novices before the competition saying it is only eating some salad quickly, but it’s far from eating lettuce!
Glenn explains: “To me, watercress is a condiment, something to accompany your meal or add to a sandwich, like mustard. You wouldn’t eat a jar of mustard in one go, eating a bag of watercress in one go really isn’t right and should be approached with caution!”
The competitors stand at a table in front of the crowd and very unceremoniously shovel the watercress into their mouths. A couple of years ago Glenn had had his ankle fused together and had to do the competition seated. He confessed that he had been worried by the change in his stance but then realised his head was closer to the table and it may have helped! This year he has had his knee replaced but should be fighting fit and back on two legs by May.
Over the years, Glenn’s times have varied, with his fastest being 25.5 seconds in 2022 and his slowest recorded at last year’s festival at 58 seconds.
Competition is fierce with people from all over the country, and even the world, signing up on the day to take part. On occasion, Glenn has even had to contend with family rivalries when his triplet daughters Ellen, Laura and Beth and his son, Connor all competed. Glenn held onto his title, but Ellen came a close second. Asked if he feels threatened by them, Glenn says no, and that he thinks they let him win to keep him happy!
It is a real family affair; when not competing themselves, the children are cheering their dad on from the sidelines while Tracy, Glenn’s wife of 29 years, is on stage translating the riotous commentary into sign language.
So, to anyone considering taking part in this year’s World Watercress Eating Championships, does Glenn have any words of advice?
“Well, I can’t give away all my trade secrets! I would just say enjoy it. Forget your dignity and your manners and just go for it! And remember, whatever happens, watercress is very, very good for you!”
Competitors sign up on the day (Sunday 17 May) and this year the competition will take place at 1pm. For more information visit www.watercressfestival.org
