The secret competition of Stubton!
- We have lived in this village for over 6 years and this is the first I knew of a Longest Carrot Competition after reading about it in the Newark Advertiser. How is the event normally advertised: E-mail, Facebook, Word of Mouth? What ever method is used is selective in its audience.
Stubton has a charming and quirky tradition when it comes to carrots! Each year, the village hosts the Longest Carrot Competition at Stubton Village Hall. This event has become a highlight for local growers and residents, now in its sixth year. The competition celebrates not just the size of the carrots, but also the community spirit and horticultural enthusiasm of Stubton.
Highlights from the Latest Competition:
- 2025 Winner: Mike Libby, a long-time vegetable enthusiast, grew the winning carrot, which measured an impressive 720mm from tip to top.
- Judging: The carrots were measured by Sam Kirk, chairman of Stubton Parish Council, with help from his son Ralph. The event is known for its friendly rivalry and precise measurements—carrots are measured in millimetres!
- Other Winners: Second place went to Ian Phillips, and third to Ted Critchley, with only millimetres separating the top entries.
- Community Involvement: After judging, the carrots are displayed and then distributed to attendees for making carrot-based delicacies at home.
- Spirit of the Event: The winner, Mike Libby, humorously claimed he “just sowed it, watered it and fundamentally ignored it,” showing that anyone can participate and enjoy growing carrots in Stubton.
- Future Events: The village is already planning next year’s competition, and also hosts other horticultural challenges like the Potato-in-a-Bucket event, which draws around 35 entrants annually.
Why Carrots?
Carrots are a popular crop in the area, likely due to the local soil and gardening culture. The competition is a fun way to bring the community together, encourage gardening, and celebrate local produce.
Fun Fact:
According to the Guinness World Records, the longest carrot ever grown was over 6 meters, but Stubton’s 720mm carrot is still a remarkable local achievement!
