Weston-super-Mare Launches Seagull Screeching Championship

Today, Weston-super-Mare is hosting its first ever Seagull Screeching Championship, a quirky contest inspired by the talents of eleven-year-old European champion Cooper Wallace.

The idea for the event came after staff at Visit Weston heard about Cooper’s unusual skill and decided to bring him to the town. “As soon as we saw him in action, we thought, we have just got to do something here in Weston,” said Dave Peters, Tourism Marketing Officer at Visit Weston. “He’s an amazing kid, and it’s exciting to share his talent with the community.”

Cooper Wallace, who first started mimicking seagulls after an encounter with one on a seaside holiday, has since gained international recognition. He has appeared on television in Germany and Korea, fronted an advert for Fortnum & Mason, and become an ambassador for environmental initiatives encouraging people to keep beaches and public areas free of litter, ensuring seagulls forage safely in their natural habitats.

The championship will see competitors of all ages try their hand at seagull calls, with Cooper acting as head judge. The event underscores Weston-super-Mare’s reputation as a town that embraces fun, unusual events while fostering community engagement.

Peters said the main aim is simple: “It’s all about putting smiles on people’s faces and giving locals and visitors a bit of fun together. It’s light-hearted, but it’s also about celebrating the town and its seaside culture.”

The competition is taking place today, Sunday 31 August, from 12 pm to 2 pm at Stacks Lounge inside the Sovereign Shopping Centre.