Europe hosts quirky championship for seagull sounds

More than 70 contestants competed in the Belgian city of De Panne during the annual European Championship of imitating seagull sounds, Reuters reports.

Participants from 15 countries took part in the sixth edition of the event, CE Report quotes AGERPRES.

The competition, held in a local pub, attracted people of all ages, including families with children—some dressed in seagull costumes. Each contestant was welcomed with cheers from the audience.

The jury can award a maximum of 15 points for the most accurate imitation of seagull sounds and 5 points for performance.

The event, which has already become a tradition, aims to change the image of seagulls, often perceived as aggressive birds.

“When you’re on vacation, you always remember the sound of waves and the cries of seagulls,” said Claude Willaert, the event’s organizer. “So let’s try to see them in a positive way.”