The 2024 World Amateur Pork Pie Championships are set to take place in Rutland next month, and Oakham Nub News is here to bring you all you need to know about the annual competition.

The serene countryside of Rutland is once again set to welcome pork pie enthusiasts from near and far for the annual World Amateur Pork Pie Championships.

Held in the county town of Oakham, this event has grown to be a pinnacle for pie aficionados since the competition launched.

Showcasing the finest in traditional pork pie craftsmanship, the event celebrates not just the art of pie-making but also the rich culinary heritage that pork pies represent, as well as supporting a critical local charity that provides life saving care to thousands.

Every year, the event raises crucial funds for the East Midlands Immediate Care Scheme (EMICS).

EMICS volunteers assist the East Midlands Ambulance Service, and are sometimes first on the scene. Image credit: Nub News.

EMICS is a network of volunteer doctors with specialist training in pre-hospital emergency medicine who assist East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS).

They cover the whole of the East Midlands, 24/7, 365 days a year, and get called to a wide variety of incidents. These include but are not limited to serious road traffic accidents, cardiac arrests, assaults, paediatric emergencies, drownings, burns, falls from height, climbing accidents.

Each doctor is provided with an extensive range of medical equipment. To equip a fully trained volunteer doctor for EMICS costs £20,000, which is why fundraisers and donations are so important.

All funds raised at the competition will be donated to EMICS. Image credit: Vince Howard.

Held at The Grainstore Brewery, this competition is run as part of the Grainstore's celebration of beer and music, Alehouse Rocks. The Grainstore is also where the Rutland Pork Pie Appreciation Society (RPPAS) meets, bringing together hand raised pies made by those attending each meet. Others just turn up to enjoy the pie, banter and beer.

The group has diligently preserved the tradition of this beloved British staple, promoting quality, craftsmanship and innovation within the realm of pork pies since it was formed in 1989.

They have also raised over £19,000 for EMICS so far, with the ongoing support of the World Amateur Pork Pie Championships competitors and attendees.

Anyone can join the competition. Image credit: Vince Howard.

Now, anyone wishing to join the fun can get practicing to enter their pork pies in two classes at this year's Amateur World Pork Pie Championship.

Class One

Traditional Pork Pie. Pies must be hand raised. Only fresh pork meat (not cured) and seasoning may be used in the filling. All pies must be wholly enclosed in a Hot Water Crust Pastry.

Class Two

Custom Pie. Pies can be hand raised, formed in a hoop or tin. Any meat (cured or uncured) and seasoning may be added to the filling but it must contain at least 50% pork. All fillings must be set in a Hot Water Crust Pastry, but can be topped and sealed with something other than pastry. Examples of what are acceptable as a topping include but are not limited to: Cheese, Fruit, lattice pastry. Examples of what may be deemed unacceptable as a topping include but are not limited to: No Topping (that's a flan!), any additional lid rather than sealed topping.

Entrants across Rutland can enter two classes and are encouraged to join the fundraising efforts. Image credit: Vince Howard.

Last year's winner, Vince, said: "This is a great initiative. The one that won last year was called Multum in Pie-vo, a spin on the Rutland motto, and included various cuts of pork, a special blend of seasoning and a stilton top."

Of course, Vince can't give away all of his secrets, but he did have some words of encouragement to share for those thinking about entering: "This competition, it's all about taking part. Each entrant raises money for EMICS, which is what is important - not the winning. It is purely for amateur bakers, so have a go. Don't think you can't do it, as the whole competition is full of amateurs who just love a good pork pie."

Ahead of the competition, which will take place on Saturday 27 July, here is a list of key dates for competitors:

• Deadline for Entries – Sunday 21 July, 11.59pm
• Delivery of Pies – Saturday 27 July, 8am to 10am
• Judging Begins – Saturday 27 July, 11am
• Judging Closes – Saturday 27 July, 2pm
• Winners Announcements – Saturday 27 July, 4.45pm

Entrance costs only £5, and all money goes to EMICS.

Each Class winner will receive a winners Tankard with the overall winner taking home the title of 'World Amateur Pork Pie Champion' and the trophy sponsored by Moores Estate Agents, who have supported the competition since its inception, along with the proactive team at The Grainstore.

Find out more about the RPPAS online or head to the Grainstore website to enter the competition.