IT’S insane, it’s ludicrous, it’s fun, it’s everything you’ve come to expect from the UK’s smallest and arguably quirkiest town – the World Bog Snorkelling Championships return to Llanwrtyd Wells this weekend.

The world-famous event takes place at the Waen Rhydd just outside town this Sunday, August 28, with competitors taking a plunge into the murky depths from 10am.

Llanwrtyd is renowned for its madcap events – especially this one – with the World Bog Snorkelling Championships competing for the craziest alongside the ever-popular Man v Horse Marathon, World Mountain Bike Chariot Racing Championship, Welsh Open Stone Skimming and Real Ale Wobble.

“The world famous bog snorkelling is back this Sunday, August 28, at Llanwrtyd Wells, event organisers Green Events posted on their Facebook page.

“You can enter on the day with a registration fee of £15, but you have to bring your own mask and snorkel. Masks and snorkels will be on sale at the bog. Flippers can be provided.

“The first person will enter the bog at approximately 10am. Car parking is available for a small £2 fee. There will also be a shuttle bus from the centre of Llanwrtyd. Come and enjoy this brilliant, unique event and fancy dress is optional.”

This year’s event will be the 35th staging of it and the first since 2019, with sponsors Rude Health coming aboard.

Neil Rutter – who posted a new world record of 1 min 18.82 secs in 2018 – retained his title a year later, coming in at 1 min 21.78 secs.

The 34th annual World Bog Snorkelling Championships – an event Lonely Planet described as one of the top 50 ‘must do’ things from around the world – were held on August 25, 2019, with over 160 participants from around the world taking part on a blisteringly hot day.

County Times: Action from the World Bog Snorkelling Championships in 2018

The ladies champion was Betsy Creak with a time of 1 minute 42.22 seconds and the overseas champion was Ian Maclachlan, from South Africa, with a time of 1 minute 38.75 seconds.

In 2019 the field included participants from Australia, Belgium, Denmark, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, South Africa, Sweden and the USA, making this a truly international world championship.

The event takes place at Waen Rhydd bog on the outskirts of the town, getting underway at about 10am. The site is signposted from the town for those who don't mind about a mile walk, and there is also a shuttle bus running from the town square to the bog and back throughout the day.

There are food and drink stalls, crafts, a bouncy castle, live music and a real ale and cider bar on the site, so it's a great day out even if you don't fancy taking the plunge. Online entries close seven days before the event, though you can enter on the day.

Entry fees are £15 for seniors (aged over 16) and £12 for juniors (aged 14 to 15).