Weston-super-Mare is set to come alive with the cries of seagulls on Sunday, August 31, as it hosts its inaugural Visit Weston Seagull Screeching Contest. The seaside town will welcome participants of all ages eager to showcase their best seagull screeches in this unique competition.
Leading the event as head judge will be Cooper Wallace, an 11-year-old sensation from Chesterfield known worldwide as “Seagull Boy.” Cooper has earned international acclaim for his incredibly realistic seagull impressions, having won the European Seagull Screeching Championship twice. His talents have taken him to stages in Belgium, Germany, and across the UK, garnered €1,000 on German television, and even led to a Fortnum & Mason advertisement.
Cooper’s journey began when a real seagull swooped down, snatched his sandwich, and bit his finger. By day’s end, he had perfected the gull call that would launch his global fame, an RSPB ambassadorship, and his beloved nickname.
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The event will take place at the Stacks Lounge inside the Sovereign Centre from 12pm to 2pm, featuring categories for juniors and adults. In addition to judging, Cooper will perform live demonstrations and offer tips to help contestants perfect their screeches.
“I can’t wait to come to Weston,” Cooper said. “It’s going to be really exciting, and I’m looking forward to hearing everyone’s best screeches.”
Cooper’s mother, Lauren, added: “It’s been amazing to see where this talent has taken him, and we’re thrilled to bring him to Weston-super-Mare.”
The contest will be free to watch, with prizes awarded to the top screechers. Registration on the day opens at 10am at Stacks Lounge.
Warren Parker-Mills, Head of Tourism at Visit Weston, said, “When we saw Seagull Boy’s championship screech on social media, we knew we had to bring his incredible talent to our town.”