Winging it: Seagull imitators compete for best screech at sixth annual championship

Contestants faced off in the Belgian coastal town of ​De Panne on Sunday at the ‌annual European seagull screeching championship, which brought together more than 70 participants seeking to ​produce the best imitation of the ​bird’s distinctive shriek.

Competitors from 15 countries ⁠took part in the sixth edition ​of the event.

The contest, which took place ​in a local pub, drew participants of all ages, including families with children, many in seagull-themed ​costumes.

Over 70 contestants from 15 countries faced off in the annual European seagull screeching championship in De Panne, Belgium.

Each screech was met with ​cheers from the crowd.

The jury can award a ‌maximum ⁠of 15 points for how well contestants imitate the seagull’s sound, and five points for performance.

This year marked the 6th time the event was held as the contest took place at a local pub that featured participants of all ages, with many dressed in seagull-themed ​costumes. REUTERS

The event, which has become a ​tradition, aims ​at ⁠changing the image of seagulls, often seen by the public ​as intrusive.

“When you are on holiday, ​you ⁠always remember the waves of the sea and the calls of the seagulls,” ⁠said ​Claude Willaert, the event’s ​organizer.

“So be positive about them.”